Reading more is a lofty New Year's resolution, but it can be daunting to find the time.

Why it matters: Opening a book might add years to your life — literally.

• Readers live an average of two years longer than non-readers, a 2016 Yale study suggested.
• "Reading books involves two cognitive processes that could confer a survival advantage: the slow, deep immersion needed to connect to content; and promotion of empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence," professor Becca Levy told Yale Alumni Magazine.

I've read at least 100 books for each of the last three years.

My tips:

🎯 Make it a habit: Carve out intentional reading time. I love to do it while riding my exercise bike (much to my wife's horror), but even listening to an audiobook while doing chores or taking a walk is a start.

📱 Reduce screen time: Don't give in to the temptation of the dopamine hits that Twitter or TikTok might bring. Put the phone on the other side of the room and spend your time with your book instead.

📚 Use your library: Reading can be an expensive hobby, but taking full advantage of your local library can seriously brunt the costs. And you never have to leave home! I manage all of my borrowing via Libby, which sends my library books straight to my Kindle.

💕 Get friends involved: Try out an app like Goodreads or Storygraph. Chances are, you've got friends using them already. Setting a reading goal there can keep you on track, plus you can get great recommendations from folks you follow.

🚫 Don't be afraid to give up: Life's too short for a book you don't like. Don't let the sunk cost fallacy mire you in a read you can't stand. If you're not feeling it, toss it.

Bookmark these tips

With a bunch of books under my belt, here are the ones that have stuck with me the most:

• "The Postcard" by Anne Berest: A sublime autobiographical novel that sees the protagonist try to unravel the mystery of who sent her family a postcard with the names of four ancestors who died in Auschwitz. The reveal is worth the wait.
• "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney: Two Dublin brothers don't like each other very much, and their father's recent death doesn't help matters. It's a moving portrayal of how grief impacts everyone, and the characters' inner voices are simply stunning.
• "Nuclear War: A Scenario" by Annie Jacobsen: Want to find out how the world can end in less time than it takes to watch "Wayne's World"? Well, here you go.

Columbus Metropolitan Library cardholders checked out a novel about friendship, love and video game design 2,503 times last year.

• "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow," by Gabrielle Zevin, was the library system's most popular adult fiction title in 2024, per data provided to Axios.

The other top titles:

• Adult nonfiction: "The Woman in Me," Britney Spears (2,465).
• Children's fiction: "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde," Jeff Kinney (2,832).
• Children's graphic novel: "Dog Man: Grime and Punishment," Dav Pilkey (2,697).

📬 What are you reading in 2025? Reply to this newsletter and share your picks.

Go deeper: The top ebooks, audiobook

Columbus' 23 library branches offer cardholders much more than books.

Pro tip: You don't even have to leave your home to get started.

• Ohio residents can apply online and immediately receive a digital card number, granting access to free ebooks, movies and music and research tools like news archives and genealogy databases.

Yes, but: To check out books and other physical items, stop by a branch with your photo ID to obtain a physical card.

Other free library perks:

🐯 Culture Pass: Gain entry to attractions like the Columbus Zoo and Ohio History Center.

✏️ School Help Centers: Find in-person tutoring after school hours, plus reading programs for elementary students.

🧑‍💼 Job & career help: Hone your interviewing and resume-writing skills and get help searching for your next job.

🤫 Meeting and study rooms: Reserve a quiet place to get work done.

📖 Find your next read: Share your interests and a librarian will send a personalized list of book recommendations.

Tell a friend

🎸 Instead of thinking about the new year ahead, spend the weekend time-warping back to hits of the past:

• Fleetwood Gold, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, plays everything from the band's early days to Stevie Nicks' solo career at the Lincoln Theatre at 7:30pm tonight. 769 E. Long St. $40-46.
• Yachtopia, "Ohio's premier yacht rock band," plays soft rock hits from the likes of Toto and Steely Dan at Rumba Cafe at 9pm tonight. 2507 Summit St. $15.
• The full list, with three more bands.

⚾️ Complete your blast-from-the-past weekend exploring a vintage sports market featuring local vendors and small businesses focused on classic gameday gear at Jackie O's on Fourth.

• 12-5pm Saturday, 171 N. Fourth St. Free!

🎤 Meanwhile, are you looking for a laugh? Catch comedian Guy Torry at the Funny Bone.

• 7 and 9:30pm tonight, 6:30 and 9pm Saturday, 145 Easton Town Center. $22.

🏀 The Ohio State men's basketball team opens Big Ten play hosting No. 18 Michigan State at 8pm Friday. $15+.

• The No. 10 women's basketball team started Big Ten play last weekend at Rutgers and has its home conference opener against Northwestern at 1pm Sunday. $16.

🏒 The Blue Jackets are fighting to stay in playoff contention, but the real headliner here is Mascot Madness, where Stinger hosts a variety of friends.

• 7pm Saturday, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
• Resale tickets started around $40 yesterday.