The holiday season is suddenly upon us! How does it always sneak up every year? It’s a busy, joyful, and often stressful time where your reading habits might fall by the wayside. They don’t have to with these 5 holiday reading hacks.

As a busy mom that works full-time and manages a lot, Libby helps me squeeze in some reading when I normally wouldn’t be able to sit down with my tablet or physical book and a warm beverage (much as I’d like to!).

Here’s how the Libby app can help you read more during the most hectic time of year.

1. Try an audiobook version of that hot title you’re dying to read.

Have you tried audiobooks yet? They’re the perfect way to multitask your reading and your other duties. They’re also a great option for easy listening for when you’re feeling overstimulated and overwhelmed by your holiday to-do list. Put your headphones on and enjoy an audiobook while you wrap presents, bake those holiday treats, or run errands.

2. Suspend your holds and/or use tags in Libby.

If you’re not ready to read that book or worry all your holds may come in at the same time (Libby always gets you that way, doesn’t she?), then try the suspend holds option or utilize tags to bookmark that title for later instead of placing it on hold.

You can also get super savvy and suspend your holds until you’re on break from work or school, or when you have planned travel.

That way, the book’s not lingering on your shelf and you’ll have more time with your book of choice when you’re ready to relax!

3. You can simply “not finish” a book you’re not enjoying.

This is a controversial tip, but one I'm embracing. If you’re not feeling a book, SKIP IT. Life's too short and sometimes it’s helpful to admit that it’s not the book, it’s you that’s just not feeling it.

Return your book in Libby early and delight another reader, or simply decide you’ll come back to that book another time. It’s OK to skip books you’re not in the mood for. There’s no pressure from anyone (except maybe yourself) to finish a book if you don’t want to.

Plus, if you move on to a new book that you’re more excited about, chances are you’ll look forward to reading time and fly through it much faster!

4. Gift yourself 20 minutes each day to unwind with a book (even before bed!).

During a busy time of year, it can be hard to devote time to your hobbies and passions. But reading has so many benefits, so why not set aside 20 minutes each day to unwind with a good book in Libby?

Don’t have that much time? Then pick whatever amount works for you! Even 5 minutes of reading per day is better than no reading.

With Libby’s sleep timer for audiobooks, you can even set it and forget it while you drift off. Libby will stop playing the audiobook when the time is up.

Reading time, sorted!

5. Cookbooks count as reading!

Why not log some amazing new culinary reads during all that kitchen time? I know this isn’t the same as reading fiction, but so many cookbooks tell amazing stories between those recipes. And if you’re looking for holiday baking ideas or trying to find a new party appetizer, you have lots of options to browse in Libby.

RELATED READ: The best celebrity cookbooks of 2024

As someone that doesn’t cook a lot...or that well, I love this option because then I’m not shelling out my hard-earned dollars on cookbooks before I try them. In Libby, I can find any cookbook I’m interested in and test out the recipes. So far, I’ve found several new cookbooks this way because I can make sure they have enough staple recipes to warrant a physical purchase, if I want.

No matter what tip you try, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. You can always count on Libby and your local library to get you through even the busiest time of year.

RELATED READ: 6 tips to read more in 2024 with the Libby app