To look for a specific book or author, use the steps at these two FAQs:
- How can I find articles or books written by a specific author?
- I'm trying to find a specific book. How can I find out if our library has it?
To browse all of the library's fiction, follow these steps:
1. On the library's homepage, find the Everything search box and click the Advanced Search link beneath it.
2. Use the Any field drop-down menu to select Subject (see the screen capture below).
3. Type fiction in the search box.
- If you have a particular genre or subject you'd like to read, you can add keywords to describe it, too. For example, you might search for mystery AND fiction or dogs AND fiction
4. Use the Material Type drop-down menu to select Books.
5. Click Search.
6. Explore! Hopefully you'll find something fun to try.
Keep in mind that because our library's collections are necessarily focused on academic sources, some searches may bring you as many (or more) scholarly books than they do novels or short story collections. For example, see a search for science fiction - there are some stories in the mix, but it's mostly scholarly or academic investigations of the genre. They're worthwhile reading, too, of course - but may not be the relaxing read you're looking for.
To find self-help or hobby-related books in the library:
Try searching the Books & eBooks tab on the library's homepage for keywords to describe your interest. For example:
- career development
- mental health
- relationships
- parenting
- military to civilian transition
- self-advocacy
- video games
- gardening
- dog training (or cat training!)
The possibilities are endless! If you have trouble finding a book on your interest, just ask a librarian.
Other places to find leisure reading:
If you have access to a public library, be sure to make the most of it. Most public libraries have ebook collections in addition to their print holdings...so even if you can't visit in person, you can take advantage of free ebooks (and possibly audiobooks as well).
Find a public library near you:
- United States: Library Finder
- International: WorldCat
Explore open access ebook sites, too! The Internet Archive's Open Library is one example - you can create a free account there to borrow ebooks of all kinds.
Happy reading!
