Why We Read
My story of stories and why I care about Literacy Education
It’s a book!
Growing up, at least twice a year my grandparents would send me a new book. Usually wrapped. I always picked it up before unwrapping; feeling for curves and give in the paper, proclaiming, “It’s a book!”
I had solved the puzzle before everyone else. The five-year-old genius! (My family knew it was a book, too. Of course.)
However, this never ruined the surprise. I was always excited to see which book they found and what was inside the second layer of wrapping; under the cover. Entranced by the words, the imagery, the story. The trifecta.
Lots of books!
I kept my very first library card pinned to the bulletin board in our living room so I wouldn’t loose it (I was a kid without a wallet). That majestic 90s white-cream and marbled green. That lamination that took to indentations so easily. That constant tiny hole in the corner from where it had been pinned. That power it held.
Why, yes. I think I will check out ten books, three movies, and two computer games. —Myself, unspecified-years-old
I would read books about people and animals with my Mom; books about magical worlds and far off places with my sister; books we never expected to be so strange with my dad; collections of favorites in repetition with my grandparents.
While my family fueled my excitement for reading as a child—learning fuels it today. I love reading a book that will teach me something new about a person, a time or skill. Or just taking in new writing styles and ideas. Healthy doses of fiction and nonfiction.
Beyond books
Reading goes so much further than books. Such a large amount of our daily lives rely on reading. Many people take this for granted because it’s so natural to read as we’re required. Street signs, texts, emails, directions, voting, public transit, bills—and so much more.
Literacy education
Illiteracy is a global problem affecting both children and adults. The impact can be seen in areas of struggle—from access to poverty:
“Illiteracy affects over 757 million people worldwide and has an impact on global development. Although it is a largely, invisible issue, the repercussions of this can be seen in everyday struggles such as poverty, gender inequality and access to basic civil rights.” —#ProjectLiteracy
There have been a number of posts on Medium and other platforms lately about ways to read more books this year. There are some great tips. I highly recommend making an effort to read more—equal benefits of stress relief and knowledge. But maybe we can take it to the next level? Another way to read more books this year could be to read to, and with, others.
And of course, you don’t have to take my word for it—keep reading. Learn more about literacy education. See what you can do to spread the word. Join the conversation or a local initiative and share your story.
“Let us pick up our books and our pens, they are the most powerful weapons.” — Malala Yousafzai
Lydia is the art director at Fulcrum Creatives. When she isn’t commanding keys, you can find her talking about the qualities of a well-made cookie, reading an analog or digital book—or gracefully spilling hot chai on her desk. Tweet at her: @theLydiary.
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Fulcrum Creatives is a certified B Corp brand and web studio in Columbus, Ohio focused on creating, elevating and sustaining brands that care.
