World Book Day is an annual event celebrated globally on the 23rd of April.
This annual celebration began in 1995 with the declaration of UNESCO aimed at promoting books and encouraging reading among individuals.
Every year, various themes are incorporated into the celebration, the theme for the 2023 World Book Day event is tagged “Indigenous Languages”. This theme highlights the cultural heritage of some indigenous countries around the world and their unique languages.
For centuries ago, books were written by hand before the onset of the printing press which made paperback books a reality. Natural disasters and wars affected handwritten books as original copies of these books were nowhere to be found. The onset of technology paved way for the introduction of eBooks, audiobooks and the like.
Gradually, paperback books are fading away as online copies of these books are being incorporated. Gone are the days when one goes to the library and comes back with a sackload of borrowed books to read. Lots of advantages came with the onset of digital books such as convenience, the less physical stress of book weights and also countless storage space on the cloud.
In as much as there is a wide base of online readers, many still prefer the old paperback books, although just a little percentage as paperbacks may likely be a thing of the past in the coming future.
How does technology make reading easier?
Technology has changed our reading patterns, and new ideas on studying and learning came up, especially after the pandemic. Schools were being introduced to virtual learning, and textbooks and other reading materials were made easily accessible directly from the web. This has improved a great number of individuals and their ability to assimilate knowledge.
With technology, various reading platforms have sufficed. It is said that digital readers are connected, readers. Connecting to various readers who have similar views on books has increased the reading curve over the years. Kindle, Barns & Noble and the like brought about portability and flexibility in reading as readers are able to select from a wide range of books stored in their library.
Reading has become vast as it has been incorporated into eBooks, audiobooks and readers have a choice for their preference. This makes for an unlimited choice of books unlike the latter which can have many hindrances to getting the books.
How to develop good reading habits in a technological world?
Set good goals and break them into doable tasks. There are mobile applications that can help one keep track of the books to read and the goal for the number of books such as Good Reads. This makes the reader more accountable and motivated.
It is said that good readers read every day, as an individual getting acquainted with the reading space, reading at least 10 pages every day goes a long way to improve your reading habit You can have a habit tracker journal or an application that helps you know the chapter you have read and yet to complete.
The advent of digital books brought about digital spaces where avid readers get to connect with like-minds. Surrounding yourself on a daily with these individuals on social media platforms like Twitter, and Facebook can increase and improve your desire for reading.
Try to incorporate other forms of reading such as audiobooks which can also improve your reading habits. These forms make it easier to read anywhere and at any time of the day.
Getting a reading partner can help one’s accountability as you will get reminders and awesome reviews on the book on your book list. It can be a friend, a sibling, or anyone with whom you can discuss this after completing a book.
When reading from a smart device, it is best to turn off your internet connection in order to avoid distractions. Listening to calm classical music can also increase your ample reading time.
Reading takes lots of focus and concentration and can be time-demanding. Dedicating to this single activity in an age of constant distraction can be a huge challenge, thus the need for having a good reading habit. Understand what works best for you so as to enjoy your reading time.