October is National Book Month
October is National Book Month! The first National Book Month was held in 2003 to celebrate and underline the importance of reading, writing, and literature.
This month is about books, and there can be no discussion about books without discussing the art of storytelling. Sharing stories is an effective way to impart knowledge, persuade others, and evoke an emotional response. And while the oral tradition of storytelling remains alive and well, the introduction of writing and the invention of the printing press means that stories captured in print as books can be preserved and disseminated far beyond what was previously possible. The invention of the internet has expanded dissemination further still.
The therapeutic use of books even has its own branch, known as bibliotherapy. Bibliotherapy has distinct applications for developmental purposes (as in a classroom), and for mental health treatment. Writing is also considered to be a useful therapeutic tool, with journaling offering an avenue for self-expression and self-reflection.
National Book Month is usually celebrated through book clubs, book fairs, read-a-thons, and themed events. The best way to celebrate National Book Month is to read!
The library offers a collection of books, journals, and databases in a variety of formats. Alongside our reference and research collections, you will find titles that center around topics like the history of medicine, humanities in medicine, and a collection of graphic novels. Search our catalog to see title availability
Looking for something else? Here are some more ideas about where to find books you can read, scroll, or listen to:
Get an eCard for your local library.
A CW MARS library card gives you the ability to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and databases. If you want to take advantage of other library services in your local library, your CW MARS card can be exchanged for a public library card.
Internet Archive’s Open Library
Open Library is an initiative of the Internet Archive, with a mission to create a digital record for every book ever published. Nearly 3 million books are available to be digitally borrowed, and many are available for download.
Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB)
DOAB is an organized list of open access books. The books within DOAB are scholarly and/or peer reviewed and have been published under an open access license.
Project Gutenberg
Founded by Michael Hart, the inventor of eBooks, Project Gutenberg is an online library of more than 75,000 free eBooks. Many of the books on PG are older and have become available as their copyright expired.
References
Marshall R. Reading fiction: the benefits are numerous. Br J Gen Pract. 2020 Jan 30;70(691):79. doi: 10.3399/bjgp20X707945. PMID: 32001468; PMCID: PMC7018408.
Mugerwa S, Holden JD. Writing therapy: a new tool for general practice? Br J Gen Pract. 2012 Dec;62(605):661-3. doi: 10.3399/bjgp12X659457. PMID: 23211255; PMCID: PMC3505408.
Psychology Today. Bibliotherapy. 2022 Sept. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/bibliotherapy
Roccograndi, H. National Book Month. EBSCO Knowledge Advantage. 2024. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/national-book-month
Ruini C, Mortara CC. Writing Technique Across Psychotherapies-From Traditional Expressive Writing to New Positive Psychology Interventions: A Narrative Review. J Contemp Psychother. 2022;52(1):23-34. doi: 10.1007/s10879-021-09520-9. Epub 2021 Sep 14. PMID: 34538888; PMCID: PMC8438907.
SparkPress. A Brief History of Bibliotherapy. 2020 Sept. https://gosparkpress.com/a-brief-history-of-bibliotherapy/
This month is about books, and there can be no discussion about books without discussing the art of storytelling. Sharing stories is an effective way to impart knowledge, persuade others, and evoke an emotional response. And while the oral tradition of storytelling remains alive and well, the introduction of writing and the invention of the printing press means that stories captured in print as books can be preserved and disseminated far beyond what was previously possible. The invention of the internet has expanded dissemination further still.
The therapeutic use of books even has its own branch, known as bibliotherapy. Bibliotherapy has distinct applications for developmental purposes (as in a classroom), and for mental health treatment. Writing is also considered to be a useful therapeutic tool, with journaling offering an avenue for self-expression and self-reflection.
National Book Month is usually celebrated through book clubs, book fairs, read-a-thons, and themed events. The best way to celebrate National Book Month is to read!
The library offers a collection of books, journals, and databases in a variety of formats. Alongside our reference and research collections, you will find titles that center around topics like the history of medicine, humanities in medicine, and a collection of graphic novels. Search our catalog to see title availability
Looking for something else? Here are some more ideas about where to find books you can read, scroll, or listen to:
Get an eCard for your local library.
A CW MARS library card gives you the ability to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and databases. If you want to take advantage of other library services in your local library, your CW MARS card can be exchanged for a public library card.
Internet Archive’s Open Library
Open Library is an initiative of the Internet Archive, with a mission to create a digital record for every book ever published. Nearly 3 million books are available to be digitally borrowed, and many are available for download.
Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB)
DOAB is an organized list of open access books. The books within DOAB are scholarly and/or peer reviewed and have been published under an open access license.
Project Gutenberg
Founded by Michael Hart, the inventor of eBooks, Project Gutenberg is an online library of more than 75,000 free eBooks. Many of the books on PG are older and have become available as their copyright expired.
References
Marshall R. Reading fiction: the benefits are numerous. Br J Gen Pract. 2020 Jan 30;70(691):79. doi: 10.3399/bjgp20X707945. PMID: 32001468; PMCID: PMC7018408.
Mugerwa S, Holden JD. Writing therapy: a new tool for general practice? Br J Gen Pract. 2012 Dec;62(605):661-3. doi: 10.3399/bjgp12X659457. PMID: 23211255; PMCID: PMC3505408.
Psychology Today. Bibliotherapy. 2022 Sept. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/bibliotherapy
Roccograndi, H. National Book Month. EBSCO Knowledge Advantage. 2024. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/national-book-month
Ruini C, Mortara CC. Writing Technique Across Psychotherapies-From Traditional Expressive Writing to New Positive Psychology Interventions: A Narrative Review. J Contemp Psychother. 2022;52(1):23-34. doi: 10.1007/s10879-021-09520-9. Epub 2021 Sep 14. PMID: 34538888; PMCID: PMC8438907.
SparkPress. A Brief History of Bibliotherapy. 2020 Sept. https://gosparkpress.com/a-brief-history-of-bibliotherapy/