The resonant sound of the bell fills the halls. Eyes glazed over, people walk in robotic-like movements, their pitter-pattering footsteps rushing to get to the next class. Jumbled thoughts accompany text-book-laden backpacks slung over hunched shoulders. Life moves like clockwork; hours pass by with little notice, days bleed together, and suddenly, entire years fade away.

But individual habits, however leisurely, can help individuals keep up with the fast-moving pace of today’s society. The simple act of reading,  in particular, is one many can attest to.

“I believe there is a story for everyone, and it is my job as a librarian to help make those connections,” school librarian Rebecca Kegley said.

This is Kegley’s first year as the librarian; she previously taught social studies for five years. Daily interactions with students have allowed for increased conversation on all things literature.

“Students regularly come in to hunt books, talk about books, or recommend titles to read,” Kegley said.

Currently, over 1,064 books are checked out. For many students, popular sections in the library include mystery, thriller, and book-to-screen adaptations, all contributing to a sense of individuality and the ability to draw connections

“When you are reading a book, you see a million different reflections of yourself in other people,” English teacher Claire Aken said.

Aken teaches Literature and Film, Speech, and Honors English 10. As a teacher, the significance of reading can be seen in classrooms.

“When it comes to class, I think once kids get over that hump of actually reading something, whether it be like a chapter or a poem, they come to class that next day and can actually contribute thoughts and ideas. I think they realize it’s more fun when they have thoughts that aren’t somebody else’s, and they can provide opinions and discuss with people and debate constructively,” Aken said.

Having confidence in one’s thoughts and interpretations of literature allows for increased participation and self-awareness, which can have an array of effects.

“I think it definitely impacts empathy. It really is the epitome of walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, you’re literally inside someone else’s head and kind of going through their thought process, so it really helps expand your worldview,” English teacher Whitney Hansen said.

Teaching Contemporary Literature, Creative Writing, and Honors English 9, Hansen has encouraged students to explore a wide variety of literature.

“Books aren’t a monolith, they’re not all the same thing, so they might have an impression of what books are, and that might be boring and difficult and not for them or representative of them, but there’s more to books than they think,” Hansen said.

Connecting books to favorite movies or video games can help students foster an appreciation for reading and increase exposure to a diverse range of books, which advance student success in a multitude of ways.

“When it comes to writing or testing, I cannot describe how much reading outside of school impacts someone’s writing style and voice and also standardized testing scores,” Aken said.

Authors’ specific writing structures and voices allow students to see the endless possibilities in  the structural components of writing, making it more appealing.

“I think it shows an example of artist craft and why writers do the things that they do. It shows that not everything has to be written in a very old-school, literary canon style,” Hansen said.

Individualizing one’s reading journey and writing style benefits students far more in the long run, for this enjoyment will coalesce into a greater impact.

“Reading has always been my gateway to knowledge and connection to the world around me,” Kegley said.

Actively reading helps society stay well-informed about pertinent issues and increases autonomy.

“Reading gives you a certain amount of agency and power in your life, from anything to reading legal documents and contracts to the news, it’s such a vital part of getting information in the world, so I think it’s important that kids continue to be well-read,” Hansen said.

Reading has both external and internal impacts, allowing students to be more updated, compassionate, and reflective in the frenzy of today’s society.

“You sat there, for so many hours, thinking with that book, conversing with that book and its author, and also conversing with yourself, that you want to pick up another one, and then keep doing it because you no longer have to just scroll and scroll and see life move back so much faster than you need it too,” Aken said.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to dedicate a little time every day to yourself. The process of reading looks different for everyone, but whether diving into bone-chilling thrillers or light-hearted romance, the effects of reading are bound to make an impact in this fast-moving world.