If you’re stuck in a reading slump, you’re not alone—and you’re not doomed to stay there. In this post, KDL librarians share their tried-and-true tips for reigniting your reading spark, from surprising genre swaps to low-pressure listening options. Whether you’ve lost momentum or just need a fresh perspective, consider this your friendly nudge back into the joy of reading.
Re-read a favorite book that you haven't picked up in a long time. Better yet, re-read a childhood favorite. Every little boost you get from nostalgia gives you a little more momentum to keep reading and likely discover details you missed the first time around.
-Faye, Plainfield Twp. Branch
One of the easiest ways to ease out of a reading slump is to choose something short and approachable. Picking up a novella, a graphic novel or even a book written for children or teens can remove the pressure of committing to a long, dense read. These quicker, more visual or fast‑paced formats help rebuild reading momentum and remind you how fun it feels to finish a book again. Often, that small sense of accomplishment is all it takes to get you excited about reading more.
-Aude, Walker Branch
Re-read one of your absolute favorite books! Go further with it and try it out in a new format. Listening to a voice actor read a book is a completely different experience from holding a physical copy in your hands and flipping through pages.
-Brittany, Alpine Twp. Branch
Reread a favorite or try an audio book on Libby.
-Julie, Byron Twp. Branch
Allow yourself to stop reading (for a little while). Seriously. Sometimes our brains just need novelty without pressure. I switch to another kind of media, like games, film, podcasts, or art, and let my attention reset. Cycling through hobbies works well for me, and my stack of books is always there when I’m ready to come back.
-Jared, Cascade Twp. Branch
TRASHY ROMANTASY... or everything by T.J. Klune!
-Jenny, Service Center
I would say change your environment, i.e., to reading in a park, by a creek/river, in a coffee shop or sitting in a different chair or couch, and maybe with some light music playing. You could even try enjoying an audio book or eBook.
-Clyde, Spencer Twp. Branch
My advice is to reread a favorite.
-Leigh, Caledonia Twp. Branch
My best advice for a reading slump is to read a graphic novel. I try to find a standalone so there's no pressure to read an entire series! It can be so accomplishing to read something in one sitting!
-Stephanie, Walker Branch
My trick is to place many books on hold. The trick to getting over a reading slump is to always have a book you’re excited to read next waiting in the queue. I also tell people if they are struggling to read, to try audio. Incorporate it into what you already do. Listen while you fold laundry, commute to work or walk the dog.
-Nanette, Cascade Twp. Branch
Join a book club! Or ask a librarian for a favorite recommendation.
-Sara, Nelson Twp. Branch
My advice would be don't be afraid to "DNF" or "do not finish" a book! If you don't like it, move on to something else that is going to draw you in and keep you, even if it takes a couple false starts to get there. There's SO MUCH amazing stuff to read out there; life is too short to feel beholden to finishing a book that you're not enjoying.
-Holland, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
Re-read your childhood favorites! Even if they're long out of print, they're likely to be available through Melcat. I've also been delighted to discover a few of mine in Hoopla. If you can't locate a copy or can't remember the title, ask your friendly branch librarians - we love these kinds of challenges!
-Sara, Cascade Twp. Branch
My trick to getting out of a reading slump is try something outside of my comfort zone. If you're anything like me, I have a few genres that I naturally gravitate towards, but after a while it can feel like they just repeat all the same old tired tropes and storylines and character types. Trying a new genre feels fresh and new again, and even if it doesn't become a new favorite, it makes a great palette cleanser between my usual picks.
Madelyn, Englehardt Branch
I will second the audiobook suggestion and add that some of our titles in Hoopla have full cast recordings so it's like listening to a radio drama. I would also suggest trying books that are faster reads if you haven't already. Novels in verse, or graphic novels are some great options. Or take a minute to take stock of what has your attention lately. What TV shows or movies are you watching? What crafts or board games are you into? Is there a book, fiction or non-fiction, that might scratch that same itch?
-Mikki, Comstock Park Branch
When I'm feeling unmotivated to read, I search Hoopla for an audiobook that "everyone is talking about," but I wouldn't necessarily pick to read myself. It's always nice for someone else to read to me while I'm walking or driving. Or, I will go back to a comfort read, something I've read or listened to before and enjoyed. Rereading a favorite can get me back in reading mode, and I often find little treasures I missed reading it the first time around.
-Liz, Amy Van Andel Library
I listen to mostly audio these days, but my favorite thing to do when I'm in a slump is to re-read (or re-listen) to books I love. There are many, many series that I end up listening to over and over when I'm in a slump and don't have the bandwidth for something new.
-Hannah, Alpine Twp. Branch
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