As human beings evolve, life seems to be evolving with it and finding different ways to be treacherous yet people do not even realize it. Technology is at its best today more than ever, but that has its problems too. Books, for instance, are suffering. All people seem to have resorted to one big, common, mostly unproductive book: Facebook. We scroll, we like, we tweet, and that is all great if only people could find a way to read, truly read, understand, learn, maybe even write along with social media. But they do not. The reading culture is on a downward spiral and stress levels are rising because when people are not on social media, they are most probably at work.
This problem catches up to you and manifests in your health and intellectual capacity. So you should probably take the suggestion to take some time out and away from technology and relax. It is also much better if you can take a book with you. Here are some of the places that are ideal for you to take your book and get lost in it.
1. Grant Park
One of the best things about Grant Park is that it bears a reputation as a study spot with many people. It is frequented by many people who with the common goal of studying, a majority of whom are students with serious exams to study for. This means that the numbers do not matter, the atmosphere will be conducive for reading all through. There is the fresh air and gentle winds blowing it feels like morning all day, and of course, that is the best atmosphere to lose yourself in a book. It is also quite vast and if you happen to meet someone who shares reading interest you will have plenty of space to have an intellectually stimulating conversation in.
2. Promontory Point
The beauty of Promontory Point, the brainchild of Alfred Caldwell, is simply breathtaking. He set out to design an artificial peninsula as part of Burnham Park and boy, did he nail it! You can rest on one of the rocks facing the water and dig into your book like you are the only person in the world or you can just rest on the lush lawns picnic-style and a good time with your book. Whether you are studying for an exam or for leisure and knowledge, few places are more conducive.
3. Osaka Garden
What is it about nature and peace? This calm spot on 6401 S. South Stony Island Avenue is the third outdoor spot and the peaceful environment aside, it has a history to match. It was established towards the end of the 19th Century, designed after a Japanese stroll garden as the name may give away. The breeze from the trees, the water, rocks, and neat gardens makes for a therapeutically calm reading experience. Leave your phone, tablet, and laptop at home and bring an actual book to this majestic place. It might be a personal preference, but it makes for a much richer experience when the trees and creatures of the bush play the soundtrack to your page turning.
4. The Noble Tree
One of the newer reading spots in Chicago, The Noble tree is an uncharacteristic coffee shop tucked away on 2444 N. Clark Street. It is a three story building that was converted into the reading cave it is now by someone who understands the need for and the challenge of finding an ideal spot to concentrate on a book, you can be sure that it is exactly that. It has the furnishing of a home, with cozy couches to ensure that you won’t be standing up numb, wingback chairs for a classic feel, and lamps on each table. Does that evoke the image of anything but a reading beauty with one side of the face hidden by a book and the other only looking silhouette in lamp light?
5. Warner Park and Gardens
It is one of the most inviting and daunting places to visit for the first time. It is daunting, even unwelcoming because of its intimate feel. It seems so quiet, so closed off from the world that on first impression you feel like you are a crashing a private party, even when there are no people. However, once you are comfortable enough to settle into one of the slatted benches, or perhaps a stone seat, you realize that this will also be its most endearing characteristic to you as a reader. It is tucked quietly between two old homes so you can be sure it is serene. This garden is a must visit, even if you already have a favorite spot to read at. But be warned when visiting, you might like it. A lot.
6. The Harold Washington Library
It might seem a little unfair to single out one library in a whole city because a library is a library, right? Okay, maybe a little. But have you been to the top floor of this particular library? It is the sole reason that it made it to this list. It is warm, well lit (natural light), spacey, and a library. Oh, it is also bears the moniker “the winter garden” for a very functional reason as you will find out. You have probably heard enough to make you want to visit it already, but if you have not, well, go anyway.
7. The Kathy Osterman Beach
This is a beach like any other, with respect to all the positive attributes of a beach: it is a place of beauty and peace. Most importantly, it is not as busy as the other city beaches and that must be what you are looking for as a reader. Winding down does not get any better than a swimsuit and a book does it? Just please, do not take the book with you to a swim… that will not end up too well.
8. The Bourgeois Pig
It is also called Beautiful name, no? But don’t let it fool you, the only thing that relates to a pig here is the name. Students at De Pauls have long loved this spot for a getaway from their boisterous hostel life when they need some serious study time and or complete writing some of the best essays possible without any distractions. It has a homely feel, full of quite tucked away spots that you can secure and shut the world off. Except for the polite guy or lady that will come to take your order and serve your meal or snack.