CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Even when she watches TV, Cindy Lilly is usually flipping through a book or magazine. 

The 47-year-old secretary reads four to six books a week. She loves books of all kind: mysteries by Janet Evanovich, books on spirituality, classics like "To Kill a Mockingbird," and nonfiction works on military history.

"I can't imagine a life without reading," said Lilly, who lives in Pinch.

Reading has made her more open-minded, she said. She can understand both sides of controversial issues.

But many Americans don't read books at all, according to studies by the National Endowment for the Arts. A 2004 study showed that fewer that half of adults read literature. 

Some people are the opposite. They're book junkies.

"Reading's therapy," said Kirk Brandfass, general administrative counsel at the state Supreme Court.

He reads several books a week, usually nonfiction books on history and politics. Every Saturday morning, the 55-year-old takes his "religious" trip to the main library downtown.

"It's just good for the soul," he said, adding that reading is his way of relaxing after a crazy day at work.

Many voracious readers trace their habits back to childhood.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Even when she watches TV, Cindy Lilly is usually flipping through a book or magazine. 

The 47-year-old secretary reads four to six books a week. She loves books of all kind: mysteries by Janet Evanovich, books on spirituality, classics like "To Kill a Mockingbird," and nonfiction works on military history.

"I can't imagine a life without reading," said Lilly, who lives in Pinch.

Reading has made her more open-minded, she said. She can understand both sides of controversial issues.

But many Americans don't read books at all, according to studies by the National Endowment for the Arts. A 2004 study showed that fewer that half of adults read literature. 

Some people are the opposite. They're book junkies.

"Reading's therapy," said Kirk Brandfass, general administrative counsel at the state Supreme Court.

He reads several books a week, usually nonfiction books on history and politics. Every Saturday morning, the 55-year-old takes his "religious" trip to the main library downtown.

"It's just good for the soul," he said, adding that reading is his way of relaxing after a crazy day at work.

Many voracious readers trace their habits back to childhood.

"I think it all began when my mother read to me," said Mary Alice Elkins, 78, who often keeps a book in her purse to read in waiting rooms. "And I learned to use a library with my mother."

About eight years ago, Elkins started to keep a list of all the books she reads.  She averages around 65 a year. Usually, she reads nonfiction such as biographies and books on politics. She also likes books related to West Virginia and her native North Carolina.

Mike Smith, the obituaries clerk at Charleston Newspapers, started reading a lot in third grade.

"That's just when reading kicked in for me," said Smith, whose favorite genre is British murder mysteries. 

Now, at age 53, he reads four to five books a week. He even reads as he walks around the halls at work.

"When you pick up a book, it takes you out of the reality of the world that you're living, and it puts you someplace that you're more in control," Smith said.

Many say they try to pass on their love of reading to the next generation. An NEA study released last year showed that reading for pleasure has declined most among young Americans.

Lilly's three kids got library cards when they were 2 years old. She thinks reading helped them succeed at school.

But librarians told Brandfass his grandson might have been the youngest person to ever get a library card here. He signed the baby up two days after he was born.

Reach Alison Knezevich at alis...@wvgazette.com or 348-1240.