Australian Reading Hour 2019

On Thursday, Australian's were cncouraged to pick up a book and read for one hour at any time of the day.

The goal is for people to either discover or rediscover the role of reading (in a recreational sense) but also understand the role that it has in the development of literacy skills, especially children.

Click here to access the official website.

I was impressed (and agree) with the fact that reading reduces stress. One of the reasons for taking public transport instead of driving to work is that reading gives me time to destress, especially at the end of a working day and to put the hassles of the world behind me.

I am noticing more that I take advantage of delays to engage in reading. It may annoy me that I will get home later, but I tell myself that at least that I can do something that I want to do, even if a bus or train is not the most comfortable place to be.

Flights for me can be nerve wracking especially longer haul flights as I worry that I may have left something behind, worry my luggage missed the flight and the confined nature of the plane. I have noticed that reading gets me through the stress of it, though there are times I need to get around and stretch my legs in the cabin.

Reading for an hour can be a challenge for many people, but I think getting into the habit of reading each day is more important, even if it is for 15 minutes. I have always said to students that take public transport each day to take advantage of that time to read a book that interests them. Even adults should get into the habit. I am sure that people can disconnect for their devices for a short while or turn what could be a dreary time to enter a new world.

For some, technology will help them engage in reading like a kindle or an eReader app on their tablet device. I do use my iPad at times to read eBooks, especially if travelling to international destinations. It's not the same as reading a printed copy, but you can still immerse yourself in what is on the screen.

Book Request Paper Forms Vs Book Request Online Forms

I have for the past few months managed an online form (made via Google Forms) that encourages students and staff to suggest new books for the school library. I've over 80 requests from students and staff though I have made a few contributions so I don't forget to get the books

This week, I decided to make paper forms with the idea focusing on "Book Wishes" where students can "wish" for a book. With this approach, I keep it more simple. 

They then place their paper slip in a box. I noticed that a dozen requests were received within a day.

So will paper win or will the online form win?

I can see advantages both ways. The paper form is much simplier while online forms do require a little extra information to be provided. However the online form can be filled from anywhere and being done from a computer can make the request appear less visible to others. Mind you, only library staff can view the spreadsheet with book requests.

If you do book requests, do you still go for paper or do you go online or do you do both approaches.