Reading matters more than ever and this is how we can preserve and promote reading in the digital age.
Reading as a Revolutionary Act
“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” Walt Disney
Open a Book
In our world overflowing with distractions, the act of picking up and opening a book can feel revolutionary. Every book, whether it's an old battered childhood favourite or a brand new discovery, holds the power to transform our minds and uplift our spirits. Reading is more than just absorbing words on a page; it's an intimate journey into other lives, worlds, and perspectives. It sparks joy, ignites creativity, and empowers us to think critically, dream bigger, and empathise with others. Whether you're flipping through pages of a comic or seeking knowledge, each book has the potential to leave an indelible mark on who you are and how you see the world and how the world sees you That’s why every book matters – because reading offers both the gift of joy and the power of wisdom and knowledge.
“There is no Frigate like a Book - To take us Lands away.” Emily Dickinson
Reading as Empowerment.
Every book you open is to absorb the power of books as portals to new ideas and perspectives, helping you to challenge preconceptions and prejudices, giving you the tools to rethink the world around you. It’s a form of mental and emotional exercise that strengthens your capacity to think critically and to show an understanding of how someone else feels by imagining what it would be like to walk in their shoes.
“Knowing I lov'd my books, he furnish'd me from mine own library with volumes that I prize above my dukedom.” William Shakespeare The Tempest
A Book as a Sanctuary
A book can be a sanctuary, offering a peaceful interlude in an age of constant distraction, with pings, notifications, and endless to-do lists. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise, the chaos of our hectic lives. The act of reading requires our concentrated attention, making us slow down, ponder deeply, and contemplate both our inner and outer worlds. In many respects reading, acts as a solution to the distractions that can overwhelm us.
Words are powerful and their influence is profound. Language moulds our thoughts, and by reading, we broaden our mental horizons. Reading not only enhances our knowledge but also boosts empathy and imagination. The words we absorb connect us to individuals throughout history and geography, spanning time, initiating new conversations.
"To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life." W. Somerset Maugham,
The Joy of Discovery
Reading is an adventure. Each book is an invitation to travel into uncharted worlds and emotions, be it a new world, an alternate reality, or the complexities of the human heart. The joy of reading lies in its ability to take us anywhere. And, in this click/like and self-centered world, the best thing that can happen to any one of us is to become everyone.
“So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install a lovely bookshelf on the wall.” Roald Dahl
Books as companions.
Books stay with us long after we've read the last page. They offer companionship, comfort, and sometimes answer questions we didn’t know we need to ask.A good book can be a friend, offering wisdom, solace, or a sense of connection when we need it most.
“My alma mater was books, a good library…. I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.” Malcolm X
Profound Impact
You can never predict which book will have a profound impact on your life. It could be a novel that deeply resonates with you, a non-fiction book that sparks a new interest, or a poem that stays with you for an extended period of time. Every time we open a book,we enter a new world.
The Commitment to Read
It’s important to guard your reading time fiercely. Put your phone on silent, close your laptop, and dedicate yourself fully to the words in front of you. Deep, uninterrupted reading helps us truly engage with a text and absorb its meaning.
The time spent reading is a good investment in the middle of our busy lives, it's common to neglect reading and prioritise other tasks, just as we make time for exercise or shopping, we could set aside time for reading, this enriches our minds, giving us satisfaction that is hard to find in other activities.
“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” Groucho Marx
If you feel the need to establish your own reading routines, think about reading before bedtime with your children. This can help children relax and fall asleep by offering them a focal point and way of winding down from the excitement of the day. Reading before bed can contribute to communication and reading comprehension. Whether it's on the way to work or enjoying time on an exercise bike, incorporating reading into a daily routine can make it a habit and ensures that reading becomes a consistent part of our lives.
The Responsibility of the Reader
One of the key benefits of reading is its capacity to introduce us to diverse cultures, philosophies, and perspectives. Push yourself to explore beyond your usual literary genres or writers - broaden your intellectual horizons by reading promiscuously and try engaging with books which have unfamiliar or challenging subject matter.
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” George RR Martin
Remember that reading is a form of dialogue, every time we read, we take part in a conversation with the author, characters, and concepts presented. It is an active, not passive, undertaking. Think about questions, and react to what you read. Reading can be multi layered when we view it as an ongoing exchange of ideas.
Share what you read. Be an ambassador for reading. Talk or blog about the books that inspire you, recommend them to friends, and pass along the well-loved copies of books you've enjoyed. Reading is a communal act as much as a personal one, and sharing the joy of books can spark new discoveries for others.
The Future of Reading
Reading in the age of the smartphone. The way we consume digital content has dramatically changed the way we read, but at it's core the value of reading remains the same. In a world of skimming and scrolling, it’s more important to practice deep, focused reading. Resist multitasking - immerse yourself fully in the act of reading.
“There's always room for a story that can transport people to another place.” “If you don't like to read, you haven't found the right book.” “When in doubt, go to the library.”J K Rowling
Support Libraries and Bookshops
Libraries and bookshops are more than just places to borrow or buy books; they’re enlightening hubs and lifelines for communities. Champion local libraries and independent bookshops, these are important spaces where creativity and free thought is nurtured.
Champion Stories for All
Reading should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. Fight for equal access to books and promote literacy in all its forms. Everyone deserves the chance to discover the joy and power that reading brings.
The Legacy of Reading
While trends can come and go, books remain constant, capturing our shared human experience, our collective knowledge, emotion, and imagination which cuts across generations. Books represent our backstory, and by reading, we safeguard the narratives that shape our identity.
Preserving the written word involves embracing both paper and digital literacy. While printed books provide a physical experience, eBooks, audiobooks, and other formats expand reading accessibility to a wider audience. By embracing both, we ensure that reading continues to adapt to the changing times.
Through the use of words, we are able to share our inner thoughts and imaginative concepts. nothing can rival the flexibility, freedom, and depth or nuance found in words. Words mean we exist in two realms: the physical world we share with others, and a unique parallel universe of our own creation, filled with fantasies, possibilities, and symbols that remain inaccessible without the ability to read.
Words hold within them a universe of symbols and meanings, waiting to be deciphered and interpreted by those who possess the key to their understanding. Words are the building blocks of communication, the currency of expression, and the conduits through which we navigate the complexities of the human experience.
What happens if you cannot decipher these words?
Using pictograms can benefit children with special needs, particularly those with communication challenges such as autism or learning disabilities. Pictograms serve as visual aids that can help children understand and convey meaning more effectively than words alone. Symbols can represent daily activities, emotions, or instructions, making it easier for children to process information and express their needs. This is especially crucial for those who may struggle with verbal communication.
The use of pictograms can benefit children with special needs, especially those facing communication difficulties like autism or learning disabilities. Pictograms act as visual tools that enhance children's comprehension and communication abilities beyond the limitations of words. By depicting a variety of daily tasks, emotions, and directions, symbols convey information processing and enable children to articulate their requirements more easily. This is particularly vital for individuals encountering challenges in verbal expression. Pictograms can be used to open up books to a wider reader.
In the world of words, we discover not only the power to project our thoughts and feelings but also the ability to shape our reality and redefine our existence.
Through words, we set out on a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and connection. Let us embrace the profound beauty, joy and power of words and pictures in books.
Spread the Word
Be an advocate for reading, be it to children or adults rediscovering the joy of books. Share your passion, recommend titles, and inspire others to explore the world through the written words and illustrations to nurture a love for reading and the love of books.
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