Lack of young readers a rising concern

Some parents and librarians are concerned about young people not reading enough.

According to a report by Statistics Canada, 25 per cent of Canadian households do not own a single book.

Avia Prescott, 20, is a St. Clair College marketing student. She said a big reason she does not read is because of her hectic schedule and because she believes there are other sources of knowledge apart from books. 

“I’m very busy,” said Prescott. “That’s why I don’t read as much as I should. I think the internet is a good source of knowledge. I get most of my knowledge from Twitter and Facebook and that keeps me educated.”

Emily Lange, a parent to an 18-year-old girl, said it is important to her that her daughter reads consistently.

“I’ve read a lot of books. There are many things in books they (children) will never respond to or learn about. This is because they’re on the internet all the time watching shows,” said Lange.

Lange also said that parents should read with their children to help encourage them to read. She said parents should show their children reading is important by sitting down and reading with them.

A librarian at St. Clair College said the youth can be encouraged to read by having libraries acquire more books intended for them.

“Focus on youth material might help incite interest(in reading) for the youth,” said Tori Levang. “Graphic novels are a really great way for youths to step into reading.”

Levang also said the lack of reading demonstrated and shown to us today will have consequences on the future generations.

“When youth aren’t reading as much, that’s going to affect their overall literacy levels,” said Levang. “Both individually and as a society.”