“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me,” C.S. Lewis once said – a sentiment that any bookworm can appreciate.
Reading comes with a bevy of benefits for the body and mind. It allows us to explore fresh perspectives, go on entertaining adventures, and deepen our understanding of the world we live in. Avid readers also tend to enjoy better lifelong mental health, and possibly better physical health, too: According to one Yale University study, reading was associated with increased longevity in adults over 50.
And while there may be “no book long enough” to satisfy Lewis and like-minded book-lovers, a great library can be the perfect compromise. At The Glenridge, our on-campus library ensures members never have to go far to find their next great read.
“We have a really lovely collection,” says Julie Stewart, the member who stepped up to manage the Glenridge Library a few years ago. “It’s primarily fiction, since that’s always in high demand – but we also have biography, large print, history, and political commentary. Everything is determined by circulation; if a book isn’t receiving much interest, we’ll replace it with something new.”
The library is as welcoming as it is well-organized, kept in good order by the member volunteers who come by to reshelve returned books each day. It offers comfortable spots for sitting and reading, a rotating selection of newspapers and magazines, and even a large community jigsaw puzzle where any member can stop by and snap a few pieces into place.
New books are continually donated by members – which, in a community like The Glenridge, means there’s a great assortment to choose from. “When we get duplicates of the same title, we keep the nicer copy and donate the other,” Julie says. “It’s been amazing to see how quickly we’ve cultivated a wide variety of books in excellent condition.”
Those who enjoy literary discussions will find themselves in good company at The Glenridge, too. The “Happy Bookers” book club (currently led by member Mary Ellen Jehn) meets throughout the year to recommend and discuss great reads, ranging from literature to nonfiction.
From the very beginning, The Glenridge has been founded on a commitment to personal and intellectual growth – of which our book-loving culture is just one facet. From expert-led classes at the Glenridge Academy … to member-driven interest groups, guest speakers, and more, it’s an environment where creativity and curiosity flourish.
Find out what our Life Fulfilling Community® can do for you: Send us a message or give our Life Planning Team a call at 941-552-5369 to schedule your personal tour.
Or, to learn more about what life is like at The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch – once again named the best senior living community in Sarasota (for the 16th year in a row!) – visit our other blog posts or find us on Facebook.