I saw a tweet on Twitter about a program that puts books in doctor's waiting rooms to increase literacy. And I realized–I already do that, although on a smaller scale. When I go to my doctor's or dentist's office, I leave behind picture books for the children who will wait there. Not every time, but I make sure that they have books. It's one of the ways I help encourage reading, and it feels good to me. I know I would have loved to find a bright picture book in a waiting room I didn't want to be in as a child!

I think it's an easy way to encourage reading. If you have an extra copy of a book you love, why not leave it in a waiting room next time you're there?

I also encourage reading through writing books that I care about and that I hope others will care about, hosting book contests, reviewing books I love, and talking about books I love. Books are such an integral part of my life, and it's important to me to share that joy.

Do you encourage reading in others? What do you do? I'd love to hear.