There is one thing in common with lower-class, middle-class, and wealthy people…reading for fun is the reason they fall into a certain class.
Here is a historical and statistical fact: Lower-class families read for pleasure much less than middle-class, and middle-class read for pleasure less than wealthy families.
Here’s another fact: When one person doesn’t read for pleasure, it costs others money.
Consider this important research study: “The effects of low literacy costs the U.S. more than $225 billion each year in non-productivity in the workforce.” ~ ProLiteracy
There used to be a time when reading was actually entertaining and done without hesitation, which included teenagers. From 2005 till the present, this has dropped in dramatic fashion.
After high school, 50% of graduating students will never open a book again and 19% struggle with basic reading skills.
Not reading for fun spreads into several other problems such as…
~ No creativity.
~ No communication skills.
~ No unique ideas.
~ Decreased earning potential.
~ Not learning from those who are successful.
~ Limited reading comprehension.
~ Lack of critical thinking skills.
~ Unable to write with fluency.
~ Poor attitude toward secondary education or work.
~ Low self-esteem.
~ No advantages for career development, or promotion.
~ No time spent on relieving stress.
“The biggest single indicator of whether a child is going to thrive at school and in work is whether or not they read for pleasure.” ~ United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Here’s the result of not reading for pleasure: “14% of adults read below a fifth grade level. 29% of adults only read at an eighth grade level.” ~ ProLiteracy
Are libraries still important?
55% of people say that, “Closing a library would be a blow to the community.”
“52% of people that visit the library have a household income of over $75,000 and read on average 27 books a year.” ~ PEW Research
So yes, libraries are crucial to solving the problem.
Start with a simple solution…read for 9 minutes a day. Join the 9 Minute Reading Challenge and get others to join as well.
Visit www.iRead9.com
I’ll promote any author that joins.
The world can change for the better if we devote just 9 minutes a day to reading for fun…
Ron Knight
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