One of my favorite things to do as a librarian is readers’ advisory (RA).

In real-world terms, I love helping patrons find their next great read. RA involves more than you telling me you want a good book, and me handing over the latest James Patterson title.

It involves having a discussion about what you like and dislike, who your favorite authors are, and what it is about a particular title that stands out to you.

It involves finding out what you’re in the mood for at that particular moment, and even what format you prefer.

Our conversation helps me understand what you’re looking for, and hopefully it puts a great book in your hands — the one you need at that moment in your life.

The readers’ advisory process can take some time, and that’s not something everyone has in abundance.

Sometimes you just want to grab a book and go.

Enter our new forms of readers’ advisory.

Over the next few months, your library is going to be employing some quicker and easier ways for you to find your next great read.

While we already have displays that can help you, a monthly book list of new titles, and a patron recommendation section, we are going to expand the readers’ advisory options to include even more ways for you to find a title you’ll love.

We’ll be offering RA surveys you can fill out and return at your convenience, read-a-like bookmarks, and more book-related posts on social media.

If you prefer browsing the stacks for something that catches your eye, be on the lookout for shelf talkers — quick blurbs about a book — posted right on the shelf.

We’ll also be offering grab bags, a more general form of readers’ advisory, where library staff will choose up to five books based on your favorite genre, time period or topic.

I’m excited for you to be able to try out our new readers’ advisory options, but I’ll still be at the desk if you want that face-to-face talk.

Pendleton Community Public Library will do whatever it takes to connect you with your next great read!