National Read a Book Day
By Sharon Schweitzer
National Read a Book Day is observed annually on September 6th. This day invites us ALL to grab a book we might enjoy and spend the day reading. In 1996, the Library of Congress created the holiday to focus on the benefits of reading.
There are many different benefits that come with reading. It improves memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults who spend time reading show a slower cognitive decline and tend to participate in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetime. Books are an inexpensive entertainment, educational tool and a time machine too!
Another reason reading books is recommended is because most movies out there are based on novels, which often tend to be better than the films. After all, there is only so much that you can cram into a couple of hours on screen, whereas a book is going to enable you to delve deeper into the journey. Plus, books aren’t only about reading great tales. There are a lot of books out there that can change your perspective on life and help you to live life to the fullest. You will be surprised by how much a book on that scale can change your outlook and bring a lot of good to your existence.
For reluctant readers, readers who struggle, or people with disabilities, book apps can make reading more inviting and accessible. Apps now include listening options, closed captioning, lighting adjustments, font accommodations, clickable definitions, the ability to annotate, highlight, take notes, and more!
Alongside National Read a Book Day, on September 7th, the Indigenous Literacy Day is celebrated to promote literacy, particularly focusing on the indigenous population. This is a yearly initiative by Australia’s Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Through literacy programs, the organization seeks to improve the lives and possibilities of Indigenous Australians. Not just any literacy program, but one that puts the knowledge and wisdom of the indigenous people first.
Then, on September 8th, International Literacy Day raises awareness and concern for literacy problems that exist within our own local communities as well as globally. International Literacy Day was founded by proclamation of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, in 1966 “to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights.” It is the foundation of better futures. It’s the first step for children to build contexts of and understand the world.
Try and think of a life without the joy of reading — a world without access to the knowledge and inspiration books can bring. Can you imagine navigating modern-day life without the basic ability to read and write? The choices are limited. A lack of resources, coupled with low literacy levels, can have a long-lasting impact on the well-being of many communities. The goal is to enable the success of the people through quality resources. What kind of resources? Libraries, books in first languages, and community publishing, among others.
Institutions and government and international organizations campaign for literacy at the grassroots level, as well as host think tanks and discussion forums to strategize and implement the best policies for the eradication of illiteracy. They also host fundraisers for the cause. A theme is set for International Literacy Day every year, which is used as a way to build awareness around specific issues.
Literacy is a blessing often taken for granted. Reading is essential in our daily lives. Navigating through the world without being able to read or write is challenging and is a blockade for experiencing so many things.
Photo by empowerhealthinsuranceusa.com/celebrate-national-read-a-book-day/
Sharon Schweitzer JD, is a diversity and inclusion consultant, cross-cultural trainer, etiquette expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre, she is an attorney and mediator. Sharon served as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, won a coveted Kirkus Star, and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books. She’s a winner of numerous awards, including the British Airways International Trade Award at the Greater Austin Business Awards.
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