Good News from Abroad - Reading on the Rise!!!

A recent report, “Reading on the Rise: A New Chapter in American Literacy,” from the National Endowment for the Arts, has shown that, for the first time since 1982, reading for pleasure has increased amongst adults in the United States.

This increase has been most dramatic among 18-to-24-year-olds, who had previously shown the most significant declines.

According to the New York Times, Dana Gioia, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, attributed the increase in literary reading to community-based programs like the “Big Read,” Oprah Winfrey's book club, the huge popularity of book series like "Harry Potter" and Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight,” as well as the individual efforts of teachers, librarians, parents and civic leaders to create “a buzz around literature that’s getting people to read more in whatever medium.”

While these results are from the United States, I think that they can give us all hope. The good work that teachers, librarians and parents do, encouraging our children and teens to read does make a difference! Keep up the good work out there!!!