The Chestermere Public Library is promoting the importance of reading during the third annual Read for 15 on Jan. 25.
People in Chestermere and Rocky View County are encouraged to read for 15 minutes on Jan. 25 and then call the library, comment on the Facebook page, or tweet to the library, to be counted, once, for the program.
“We want to make people aware with how much they actually read in a day,” said Chestermere Public Library Assistant Director Cathy Burness.
Last year 3.57 per cent of the population reported reading for 15 minutes, which was an improvement from 2017’s reported 1.36 per cent.
“The goal is to be better than we were before,” Burness said.
Participants can read grocery lists, Facebook newsfeeds, a book, traffic signs, maps, or even restaurant menus said Burness.
“When people come in to tell us that they have read their usually quite prideful about it, it makes people feel good to be a part of this,” Burness said.
“We want to bring to people’s attention that reading is good for your brain, it improves your memory, focus, concentration, and it helps with analytical thinking,” she said.
Not only does reading improve memory and brain function, it has also been proven to reduce stress.
“Even if you’re reading a heart pounding book because somebody is going to do something dastardly, it still reduces stress.
“I know a lot of people who would rather sit and curl up with a read a book than watch tv, it does actually take you away,” Burness said.
Reading also slows down, or prevents cognitive decline, it promotes better sleep, increases vocabulary, decreases depression, and also improves people’s empathy, said Burness.
She added, a 2013 study published by the Journal of Science stated that individuals who read fiction have the ability to understand that people’s beliefs, desires and thoughts are different to their own.
“It expands your horizons,” Burness said.
“It’s a real community spirit kind of thing, it’s bonding over reading, to me that’s a big deal,” she said.
Burness added, “Being cognizant to the fact that you should be reading every day, and you probably are reading every day. Getting together with other readers and celebrating that.”
