Reading is a gift. It may not be one you can wrap up and put under the Christmas tree, but it is a gift that can be given.
Whether you are teaching your child to read, tutoring someone or reading aloud to elderly persons, reading is a joy and it is the gift that keeps on giving. Reading unlocks so many possibilities and opens so many doors. Studies show that reading could help reduce mental decline in old age by 32%. Reading can also reduce stress by up to 68% which is more than listening to music, having a cup of tea or taking a walk.
So, how can you give reading as a gift? Well, of course, you can gift books, but there are many other opportunities as well. You can gift the love of reading to your children; make a big deal out of getting them their first library card. Did you know when your children sign up for their first library card that they get a free backpack and lanyard as well? You could put those items along with their shiny new card in their stocking. Not only will it gift them the love of reading, but it’s also an experience going to the library.
Visiting the library can be a fun, free weekly activity for the whole family to enjoy year-round. Also, reading to children is magical. I still fondly remember being read bedtime stories.
You can also gift your time by tutoring those who need literacy assistance or reading to those who suffer medical ailments and have lost the ability to read themselves. For those who are interested in tutoring others, contact Wendy Preilis at the Adult Learning Center, 317-738-4677, in our Clark Pleasant Branch Library to get matched up with a learner in need. With just a few hours of your time, you could change someone’s life. If you’re interested in reading to those who can no longer read themselves, contact your local senior services center. Reading to adults is just as rewarding as reading to kids. Finding the right book, story or poem to keep them captivated is worth every moment.
One of my favorite editorial cartoons featured a little kid sitting on Santa’s lap saying, “I want books, computers … and the ability to travel through time and space!” In response, Santa says, “OK … here’s a library card!”
Erin Cataldi is the Adult and Teen Services Librarian at the Clark Pleasant Branch Library. JCPL staff members share in writing this twice-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
