By 1808Delaware
There are few pleasures quite like discovering a book you can’t put down. Finding that next great read, however, isn’t always easy, especially when the choices seem endless.
The Delaware County District Library is making the search a little easier with the return of Personalized Picks, a service that connects readers with librarians who know how to match a good book with the right person. And this time, there’s something new. Previously offered for a limited period during the library’s Summer Reading Club, Personalized Picks is now available year-round.
Whether you’re searching for a gripping mystery, a sweeping historical novel, a lighthearted romance, or something completely different, library staff are ready to help.
A Reading List Made Just for You
Unlike browsing bestseller lists or relying on online recommendations, Personalized Picks starts with the reader’s individual interests. Participants complete a short online form describing books they’ve enjoyed, what appealed to them, and what they might like to read next. Perhaps you enjoy mysteries but prefer clever detectives to graphic violence. Maybe you’re drawn to historical fiction with richly developed characters, or you’re ready to venture beyond your usual favorite genre.
Those details help librarians identify titles that fit your tastes. Once the form is submitted, library staff review the responses and email a personalized list of book suggestions. There’s no need to visit a branch to get started.
The More You Share, the Better the Match
The library encourages readers to be specific when describing their preferences. Mentioning a favorite author or recent book is helpful, but explaining why you enjoyed it can make the recommendations even more useful.
Did you love the fast-paced action, the atmospheric setting, or the relationships between characters? Are you looking for something humorous, thought-provoking, suspenseful, or comforting? It’s also worth mentioning what you’d rather avoid.
The library suggests keeping requests focused rather than combining several unrelated genres into a single submission. Readers are also welcome to complete the form again whenever their interests or reading moods change.
Something for Every Age
Although Personalized Picks can be especially useful for adults looking to break out of a reading rut, the service is designed for readers of all ages. For children and tweens, the library recommends having an adult complete the form with them to help identify books that match their interests and reading preferences.
The year-round availability also means readers can turn to the service whenever they need inspiration, whether that’s during a summer vacation, a winter weekend indoors, or an ordinary Tuesday when nothing on the bookshelf seems appealing.
For those who enjoy exploring independently, the library also offers NoveList Plus, book recommendation resources, new-title newsletters, and book clubs. But Personalized Picks adds something different: the experience of having a librarian consider your interests and suggest books specifically for you. And sometimes, all it takes to discover a new favorite author, an unforgettable character, or an entire series worth exploring is a recommendation from someone who loves books as much as you do.
Readers can get started by visiting the library’s Personalized Picks page.
Image by Joachim Schnürle from Pixabay
