The middle of winter is a perfect time to relax with a blanket, a hot beverage and an enjoyable book.

February is designated as “I Love to Read Month.” It’s a reminder that reading is valuable to individuals in many different ways. It’s a vital part of life.

I’m surprised at how some people never read, how they spend far more time on a computer than they do with reading material. They miss out.

I try to read for at least an hour every day. I normally read five books at a time because I like the variety. I enjoy something different from one day to the next instead of getting bogged down in just one book that might not totally hold my interest.

Right now I’m reading a book about ancient Greek civilization, one about 19th and 20th century passenger ships that crossed the Atlantic, another with essays about growing up in Minnesota and my copy of the musical Fiddler on the Roof. I also chose some short stories by Twain, Hemingway and Steinbeck from one of my short story anthologies.

I also enjoy several local newspapers and a combination of current and old magazines. I have a collection of oversized books on a television stand and sometimes enjoy just looking at the pictures.

It’s one of my most relaxing times of the day, a time when I learn something new or enjoy a good story. My books are a lifelong interest. They’re just as essential as my recliner, CD player and television.

People might ask why something written many years ago still has value. It does because of how so many ideas are universal. They still apply to life in 2023.

A good example is the story by Twain that I read earlier this month called “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg”. The town’s greed and false pride are symbolic. The same thing can happen in one form or another in almost any community. There’s a need to be mindful.

The Internet has dramatically changed the way people get information. In many ways it’s a two-edged sword. The potential to get information has never been greater as long as someone has the critical thinking skills to seek it out.

There’s a lot of nonsense on the Internet, a lot of information that has little or no value. There’s misleading information. There are some claims that are completely false.

It’s more important than ever to think for ourselves. We need to seek out reliable resources, both in print and on the computer. Once we do that, we can draw well reasoned conclusions.

The process starts at an early age. It’s vitally important to read to children, to surround them with good children’s books. It’s important that they become acquainted with their local library, that they have the opportunity to find books that they like and want to take home to enjoy.

Libraries are one of the world’s best free things. They’re important in both large and small communities as places to go for entertainment and for knowledge.

They still play an important role in the Information Age. Librarians remain a valuable resource. They’re reliable gatekeepers who can find information that answers almost any question.

It’s important for anyone who’s a teacher, an activities director, a journalist, or any other people-oriented professional to enjoy learning. It’s how we get the ideas we need to share meaningful thoughts with others.

You never know when you might come across something interesting, someone that the public might want to know about.

I enjoy newspaper work because of how so many things can turn into interesting articles. It’s never boring. There are always interesting stories waiting to be told, waiting to be described and interpreted.

It’s very important that people continue to seek out the best information that’s available. It’s important that providers of information strive to give them the best. We continually aim to produce material that enables people to learn and that makes them care. It’s a basic foundation for the information industry that remains constant even as the world changes.

— Jim Muchlinski is a former reporter and contributor to the Marshall Independent