EVERY year, on 23 April, UNESCO celebrates World Book and Copyright Day in recognition of the power of books as a bridge between generations and across cultures.
The concept was started in 1922 in Spain by writer Vicente Clavel Andrés and is now celebrated in over 100 countries to encourage children to explore the joy of books, improve literacy, and promote publishing.
Bookshops and libraries play an important role in fostering a love of reading.
Locally, Collins Booksellers supports all initiatives that encourage literacy and a love of reading, particularly in children and teens.
“It’s really wonderful to see young kids particularly, reading a book with a smile on their face,” said Wendy Ranger, owner of Collins Booksellers in Port Macquarie.
Wendy believes in developing a reading routine in children, which usually starts with a storybook before bedtime.
Once a reading routine is established, she says children look forward to the next book, whether it’s a series or a stand-alone story.
“We are seeing a lot more young teens coming into the store to get the latest book in a particular series or to find the next big thing to get excited about,” Wendy said.
There are a number of initiatives which promote better literacy and a love of reading, including National Literacy Day, the Premier’s Reading Challenge, Book Week, Love Your Bookshop, and many others.
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