Leisure Reading as a Mindfulness Activity: The Implications for Academic Reference Librarians

ABSTRACT According to a 2019 study, almost half of American college students know that they need help for an emotional or mental health problem (Eisenburg & Lipson). Colleges themselves are aware of the growing problem and are continually looking for ways to help their students. Many colleges are providing mindfulness sessions to support well-being. Librarians are also cognizant of the foundational role of mental health and are incorporating mindfulness into their reference, instruction, spatial planning, and programming. Reading for pleasure is another non-pharmaceutical intervention that enhances psychological health, but not all academic librarians are convinced of its place in college libraries. This article introduces the concept of leisure reading as a mindfulness activity, one that has implications for academic reference librarians.