By Madhurima Ghosh –
23rd April is observed every year as World Book Night to celebrate book and reading.
We all know reading a book has lots of benefits, often as parents we push our children to pick a book instead of a toy from the store but as an adult how many of us spend our free time reading? A survey says only 69% adults read during their free time in UK. In spite of books being so easily available these days over the internet and can be carried anywhere in digital format, the average reading time for individuals between 15 to 44 age group is only 10 mins a day. The reasons for why people don’t read can range from busy schedules to financial crunch to stress full lives but what many people don’t realize is how much relief a book reading session can provide to the mind. Reading educates and inspires people about the world and helps to release stress.
World book Night is here to encourage everyone specially adults to spare time from their schedule for reading a book and also to give way free books. This occasion is coordinated by Reading Agency every year. They also release book list every year on their website to inspire readers as well as nonreaders. World Book Night considers 7pm to 8pm as the “reading hour”, if people around the world are reading during this time in their respective time zones then reading hour will continue for long span of time.
World Book Night is observed in many ways. Libraries, bookstores hold live book reading sessions, organizations donate books to prisons, hospitals, and homeless shelters to promote book reading, as an individual this night can be observed by reading a book alone or in group. It is a great opportunity to initiate a book club with friends or donate the used books to those in need.
If you are one of a bibliophile then celebrate this day by picking the favorite book from your collection and for those who doesn’t like to read, this can be a moment to begin. Choose a book from the book list provided by Reading Agency, this year on World Book Night to start your reading journey. Also don’t forget to share on social media about how you spent your reading hour by using #ReadingHour and #WorldBookNight to join the celebration online.