View From the Legislature

In Canada, February is marked as “I Love to Read” month with a variety of special events planned at local schools and libraries. These events sometimes take the form of reading challenges or can involve special guests coming to read to students. I have enjoyed participating in these special events in past years.

As well, each February I ask local school librarians to provide me with some book suggestions that can be donated to the school library. I always enjoy seeing the suggestions that come back and the array of books that are of interest to students. I appreciate the opportunity to deliver books to the local schools and hope that the students enjoy the books that have been recommended by their librarians.

Of course, the nature of reading has changed over the past number of years as technology has changed. Digital books available on handheld devices are now as prevalent as paper-based books. Just as the way in which we consume music has changed with personal electronic devices, so too has reading. Yet, the benefits of reading remain as significant as ever, perhaps even more so.

Many studies have been done that link reading, at all ages, with personal health and development benefits. Not surprisingly, early reading habits have been shown to help develop large vocabularies. These early learning habits are enhanced when children and parents read together. Studies show that reading at home with children helps to boost their self-esteem and build strong communication skills.

For those who are past those early years however, the benefits remain. Reading is associated with the reduction of stress. Some research indicates that as little as 20 minutes of reading can lower blood pressure, the heart rate and feelings of distress. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that it is recommended that reading become part of a regular going to bed routine, especially reading print books rather than those displayed on a screen. The positive effects that reading seems to have on mental health is certainly a positive by-product of the fact that reading requires you to slow down. And much stress is related to the impact of being busy.

Finally, the National Institute on Aging has recommended reading as individuals get older as a way of keeping engaged and improving cognitive functioning.

Regardless of your age, it has been shown that reading has benefits. So, while there is a special focus on reading and literacy in February, it is to create a sense of its importance throughout the year. Thank you to the schools and libraries who not only participate in “I Love to Read” month activities, but who work throughout the year to promote its benefits and enjoyment.