Steve, Brilliant! This should be required reading for legislatures and school boards; the stats drive the point home. We collectively need to address this before we completely lose reading. Your remedies are on point, however, #3 should be #1. It all starts with parents and the home. This is the foundational piece that must be stressed; reading practises and examples at home set kids up for a life of reading. Reading to kids every night at bed and having a family read time, rather than movie night, will make reading an activity that they will enjoy and incorporate into their lives. What families do together will be repeated and passed down. We need to stop pointing the finger at phones and have a look in the mirror to see who is responsible for positive change.
I had never heard of "Once a Runner", but I might look into it. Looking at the summary, it reminds me a bit of the real life story of Louie Zamperini. He may have become the first to run a sub 4:00 mile if Japan hadn't attacked Pearl Harbor. How many other future great athletes were lost in the carnage? We'll never know, but the aftermath is the landscape Roger Bannister emerged in. Truly compelling stories worth reading about.
You didn't mention libraries. Is that because 'community' is equated with 'socialism' in the USA? Allocating taxpayers' money for the public good may be frowned upon, but libraries are the great equaliser.
I love the one in Carmel, Indiana, as well as the NYPL.
Libraries are learning hubs, and people rub shoulders with other book lovers. I used to spend hours in my local library (thousands of books for free), and then helped out in my school library.
Libraries are the antithesis of 'elite', and so are often put bottom of the food chain in a capitalist, 'me-first' society. Those of us from poor backgrounds recognise their benefits.
Somewhat to the gist of Steve's column, the irony of the local library near me is the most occupied spots are the free computers with internet access. All sorts of "characters" sitting there watching the day go by. Truthfully, they probably create an environment that discourages traditional library users.
I don't know anyone who frowns upon using tax money for the public good. I love the wonderful roads I drive on every day. Steve referenced "The Atlantic", which is one of the more left wing publications. So, I don't think he is somehow anti-left wing stuff. Based on his books, posts, etc., he leans that direction. So, not sure you were implying that, but if you read more of his stuff, you get a better feel of where he comes from.
The biggest hook for me as a child was the "Sports" section of the newspaper. It accompanied my breakfast every morning, which grew into a subscription to "Sports Illustrated". I knew what day of the week the new edition would arrive in the mail. Sadly, both of those are going extinct.
"but if you read more of his stuff, you get a better feel of where he comes from." Apart from all of his books, and spending time with him at GAIN, what more should I do?
Steve, Brilliant! This should be required reading for legislatures and school boards; the stats drive the point home. We collectively need to address this before we completely lose reading. Your remedies are on point, however, #3 should be #1. It all starts with parents and the home. This is the foundational piece that must be stressed; reading practises and examples at home set kids up for a life of reading. Reading to kids every night at bed and having a family read time, rather than movie night, will make reading an activity that they will enjoy and incorporate into their lives. What families do together will be repeated and passed down. We need to stop pointing the finger at phones and have a look in the mirror to see who is responsible for positive change.
I had never heard of "Once a Runner", but I might look into it. Looking at the summary, it reminds me a bit of the real life story of Louie Zamperini. He may have become the first to run a sub 4:00 mile if Japan hadn't attacked Pearl Harbor. How many other future great athletes were lost in the carnage? We'll never know, but the aftermath is the landscape Roger Bannister emerged in. Truly compelling stories worth reading about.
Did you discuss audio books? Is that reading? Purposely omitted?
low-handing ease?
You didn't mention libraries. Is that because 'community' is equated with 'socialism' in the USA? Allocating taxpayers' money for the public good may be frowned upon, but libraries are the great equaliser.
I love the one in Carmel, Indiana, as well as the NYPL.
Libraries are learning hubs, and people rub shoulders with other book lovers. I used to spend hours in my local library (thousands of books for free), and then helped out in my school library.
Libraries are the antithesis of 'elite', and so are often put bottom of the food chain in a capitalist, 'me-first' society. Those of us from poor backgrounds recognise their benefits.
Libraries are great. THe Libby app is wonderful. Everyone should download it.
Somewhat to the gist of Steve's column, the irony of the local library near me is the most occupied spots are the free computers with internet access. All sorts of "characters" sitting there watching the day go by. Truthfully, they probably create an environment that discourages traditional library users.
I don't know anyone who frowns upon using tax money for the public good. I love the wonderful roads I drive on every day. Steve referenced "The Atlantic", which is one of the more left wing publications. So, I don't think he is somehow anti-left wing stuff. Based on his books, posts, etc., he leans that direction. So, not sure you were implying that, but if you read more of his stuff, you get a better feel of where he comes from.
The biggest hook for me as a child was the "Sports" section of the newspaper. It accompanied my breakfast every morning, which grew into a subscription to "Sports Illustrated". I knew what day of the week the new edition would arrive in the mail. Sadly, both of those are going extinct.
"but if you read more of his stuff, you get a better feel of where he comes from." Apart from all of his books, and spending time with him at GAIN, what more should I do?