Eight ideas for 2016’s Reading Year

According to the dictionary, literacy is defined as the ability to read and write. However, years ago when I was working in the book-publishing sector, I came across another fascinating definition. According to the US Department of Education, “literacy is the ability to use printed and written information to function in society, to achieve one’s goals and to develop one’s knowledge and potential”.

So, we have all heard about the common merits of reading books: it promotes critical thinking skills, expands the vocabulary, enhances imagination, boosts writing skills and it can make for some stimulating intellectual discussions over coffee.

However, governments are now seeing reading as essential to the functioning of society and the well-being of citizens. Research tells us that developing reading habits from a young age is a good predictor of future academic success. Reading can lead to higher educational attainment, better job opportunities, higher incomes (especially from technical professions), quality decision-making, better health outcomes, and an overall enhanced quality of life — all stemming from the simple insight that people have the power to shape their lives with the knowledge they acquire through reading. In his book, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! Dr Seuss famously said: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

That is why I am thrilled that the UAE Cabinet has chosen reading as the theme for next year’s government efforts. However, creating enthusiastic, life-long readers does not happen haphazardly. Why does the average Arab child read for only six minutes compared to 12,000 minutes for children in the West? As with promoting any behaviour, targeted programmes need to be put into place to achieve any desired outcome.

Here are eight ideas for 2016’s Reading Year, inspired by world-class reader development programmes:

1. Establish a dedicated reading agency: In 2011, the British Council granted me the opportunity to go on a scouting visit to the UK to research a group of remarkable reader development agencies; namely Booktrust and the National Literacy Trust. Such agencies exist for one mission: to inspire society to read more. Three things make them successful. First, they work with librarians, educators, children’s literature specialists, publishers, booksellers and parents to come up with innovative ideas to promote reading. Second, they have targeted programmes for each segment in society, from babies to teens and adults. Third, they deliver robust literacy programmes that are periodically evaluated to ensure they deliver upon the expected outcomes.

2. Organise workshops for parents, teachers and librarians: The National Library Board of Singapore organises free and interactive workshops at their public libraries to people who want to foster a love for reading in children. Their menu of workshops is exciting and ranges from storytelling skills, language development, selecting appropriate books and creating a nurturing reading environment at home or schools.

3. Start with babies and children: Dr Marian Diamond is a leading researcher of brain development at the University of California at Berkeley. In her book, Magic Trees of the Mind, she states that every word parents say and read to their child helps to create brain connections and leads to the child’s brain growth. That is why in countries like Finland, Singapore and the UK, new mothers can expect free picture books and library cards for their babies.

4. Make public libraries fantastic gathering spaces: A memorable visit to the library is one of the best ways to hook people. The best libraries do not only focus on providing basic reading materials, but also have the following features:

— They are strategically located. For example, Singapore has public libraries in shopping malls and within a performing arts complex to attract the youth (Orchard Public Library and library@esplanade)

— They are aesthetically designed depending on the segment they’re catering to

— They employ qualified librarians who are enthusiastic about reading

— They possess diverse library collections, such as rare manuscripts, audiobooks, and of course, the best titles from various genres

— They have state-of-the-art facilities, such as Wi-Fi, cafés, conference rooms, play areas and or exhibition halls

— They regularly host activities that foster engagement with books and literacy

5. Have more author visits in schools: What better way to promote reading than to bring the books alive via their authors? Students can interact with authors to learn how they get their ideas and understand the writing process. Schools can contact publishing houses to organise author visits, such as the case with US publishers Penguin Random House or Scholastic Books. Luckily, many authors do virtual Skype visits as well.

6. Nurture home-grown writers: Hosting regular professional writing workshops can be a stepping stone to grooming the next award-winning writer. Writing courses could range from travel writing, poetry, novel writing and screenwriting to picture books, memoirs and magazine writing.

7. Publish quality Arabic books: Reading should be associated with pleasure and fun. Thus, good quality Arabic books need to be published in various genres, at affordable prices, be featured in attractive book displays and be available in bookstores or public libraries.

8. Launch a media campaign: In additional to the traditional media outlets (TV, radio, print), it is essential to establish a strong online presence for the reading campaign. The online portal could include resources on how to promote reading at various stages, themed book recommendations, literacy events across town, book reviews, teachers’ lesson plans, guidebooks for librarians, resources for running school book clubs and a set of literacy-inspired blogs. The content could also be transferred into bite-sized titbits by influential bloggers on social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

I wish you all a fabulous year of reading.

Sara Al Mulla is an Emarati civil servant focusing on human development policy and children’s literature.