National Read a Book Day has its origins in the US in the late 2000’s and has been popularised internationally as a day to celebrate the joys of reading by encouraging everyone to pick up a book and read.

In an increasingly digital age, it’s all too easy to neglect reading as an activity. This day is an opportunity to remind ourselves how nice it is to sit down with a good book and quietly read. This could be one framing to discuss with students. Reading isn’t just about what we learn, it's about the activity itself. Reading allows us to free ourselves from the fast paced world and take time to reflect, or to imagine.

Additionally, show that through reading we can come to better understand the thoughts and experiences of others. Developing a global, compassionate outlook requires encouraging empathy and an intimate understanding of the diverse experiences around the world.

This day offers the opportunity to develop empathy for those living in different national, economic and cultural contexts. This day offers the chance to develop a fascination and reverence for diversity.

So why not join in on September 6th by encouraging everyone to pick up a book and reconnect with the joys of reading!