September 28th is R.E.A.D. in America Day #READInAmericaDay and I don’t know about you but I believe everyday should be a #holiday celebrating reading which is so important to a child’s education. Although reading is important to adults as well because we use it everyday all day long from working to cooking.
National Read a Book Day on September 6th calls all book lovers to indulge in their favorite hobby, guilt-free. Books bring new worlds to life, and books enlighten us and transport us on exciting adventures. They
While National Read a Book Day is believed to have originated in the US, other details of the day’s history are unclear. What is clear, though, is Americans’ love for books! For many, National Read A Book Day is a welcomed holiday because 81% of us don’t feel we spend as much time reading as we would like. Today is the perfect opportunity to set aside a little time to catch up on our “to read” list.
You should know the popularity of book clubs points to our ongoing love for books. Book Clubs date back to the 1600s with women’s Bible studies. But, in the last few decades, reading has taken on a much more social element influenced, in large part, by Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club. Starting in 1996, Oprah’s Book Club recommended 70 books contributing to over $55 million in sales and has been credited with inspiring millions of people to read books.
Over 74% of Americans have read at least one book in the last 12 months but the busyness of life definitely gets in the way of our reading pursuits with many other activities competing for our time. Luckily, electronic platforms have made it easier for us to read on the go. Almost 20% of books consumed are now via electronic platforms. Whatever format you prefer, grab or download the book on the top of your stack and dive in!
National Read a Book Day Activities
- Chances are, you have a local public Library that can always use volunteers if you have the time today voluteer and bring your families to help out as well.
- Libraries do a lot of important work for their communities creating a safe, quiet space for children to learn. Community meetings are held in Libraries and many function as polling places during elections.
- Donating books to your local Library is a great way to share knowledge with your community and book donations often help libraries flesh out their shelves.
- Share your passion for reading with someone. Read to your including your children.
- Visit a elderly adult who is unable to read on their own because reading aloud to them not only improves your brain function and reduces your stress level, it also creates a connection these adults will treasure and reading to them stimulates their brain activity as well.
Facts About Bookworms
- Over 675 million print books were sold in the US throughout 2018.
- Americans spend an average of $28 on books annually.
- Adults aged 18 – 29 are most likely to have read at least one book in the last 12 months.
- The US tied with Germany as #22 in the world for time spent reading at just under 6 hours per week; India holds the top spot at almost 12 hours reading per person per week.
- One study showed adults who read at least 30 minutes per week are 20% more satisfied with life than those who are not spending the same time reading.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY
- It’s rare that you would read a book and not experience a new thought or perspective you’ve never considered before. When reading a book we open ourselves to new information and can walk in someone else’s shoes for a while.
- Frequent readers tend to be more aware of cultural differences and social issues while showing more compassion and understanding.
- Studies prove that avid readers show fewer signs of stress and have higher problem-solving abilities than people who don’t read.
- Reading renews energy, elevates mood, promotes more restful sleep, and slows the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia through brain activity. Overall, reading leads to a longer, healthier life.
- With the popularity of book clubs, reading is now considered a team sport. Having a group of friends to share the highlights, learning points and humor of books makes reading that much more fun. Wine doesn’t hurt either!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
