As the summer breezes in, people have more time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a good book. Reading during the summer becomes a way to let loose and forget the rest of the world.

Whether it be taking a book to the beach or simply listening to a book on tape through a long car ride to a favorite vacation spot, reading certainly picks up throughout the summer.

"Business probably doubles during the summer as people go on vacation, no school, stuff like that," said Mike Briody, a librarian at the Norton Public library.

And there are certainly books that have become more popular to read during the summer than others.

"Romance is always extremely popular," said Melissa Campbell of the Plainville Public Library. Such authors as Danielle Steele and Nora Roberts remain a favorite among romance novel readers. Harry Potter mania

The final installment of the Harry Potter series is scheduled to come out at midnight July 21. "Harry Potter and The Deadly Hallows" by J. K. Rowling is expected to be quite the hit. In preparation, fans are reading the six prior books in the series to make sure they are completely updated on the plot. Campbell says, " I wouldn't be a true librarian if I didn't" look forward to this new release.

Different celebrations are to be held in expectation of the release. At the Seekonk Public Library there will be a Harry Potter party and BBQ, held in conjunction with Restaurant 99 on Thursday, July 19 from 4-6 p.m.

A coming of age novel by Janet Evanovich was highly anticipated. The title of her newest novel is "Lean, Mean, Thirteen." It was released June 19. The novel is the 13th of a series.

James Patterson just released a new novel this summer to add to his collection. "Cross" and "Step on a Crack" are two of his books that remain top reads. Maggie Holmes, a librarian at Richards Memorial Library, said of "Cross," "I read it in about two days. It's really popular." "The 6th Target," the newest of Patterson's collection, is supposed to be of the same high caliber, librarians said.

The Plainville and Norton library book clubs are reading Sara Gruen's "Water For Elephants," which was nominated for Novel of the Year by Entertainment Weekly.

New book clubs

The Seekonk Public Library will be offering two self-directed book clubs for the summer. One will be a "chick-lit" book club, and will read books such as "Bridget Jones Diary" and "The Glass Castle: A Memoir" by Jeanette Walls, said librarian Michelle Gario. The other book group will be focusing on mystery novels.

Jerry Cirillo and staff of Boyden Library in Foxboro were among librarians interviewed who recommended Daniel Silva. His thriller "The Messenger" is scheduled to come out to paperback July 3. "The Secret Servant" is scheduled to be released on July 24. Cirillo said these novels are "some of the best thrillers I've ever read. Men like these books and women like these books as well."

Many libraries are again offering summer reading programs for children and will have summer reading lists from different schools available. Students can find out the books they are required to read for the summer and find the books there as well. For more summer reading ideas, librarians recommended The New York Times Bestseller List and Book Page, a newsletter that is sent across the nation, and Oprah's Book Club.