Momentum is growing for reading reform in Australia, with Australia Reads securing Government support to get more Australians reading, more often.
Faced with a global decline in reading rates, Australia is one of many countries ‘stepping up’ to increase recreational reading.
Australia Reads launches today as an independent not-for-profit organisation, steered by an experienced Board of Directors from the publishing, libraries, literature and retail sectors.
The move is supported by the Federal Government, as Australia Reads becomes a delivery partner of arts body Writing Australia, with a three-year funding commitment to build reading engagement.
Reading is vital to a healthier, happier and more connected country. Regular reading for pleasure has proven benefits for mental and physical health, education and employment, and empathy and social cohesion.
While half of Australians want to read more, many of us struggle with the time, confidence, and skills to read regularly. 30% of adults and young people haven’t read a book in the last year, and 25% of parents never or rarely read with their children. The problem is predicted to cost our economy $40 billion.
Backed by industry leaders, Australia Reads is spearheading the call for Governments to invest more in reading through targeted policies, programs, research and campaigns.
Inaugural Chair of Australia Reads and CEO of Hachette Australia, Louise Stark says:
“Backed by a united book industry, this new chapter for Australia Reads clears the way for increased focus and investment in research, programs and campaigns to improve reading rates.
We’re healthier, happier, and better connected to each other when we regularly read for enjoyment. Investing in reading will create a better way of life for all Australians.”
Over the past two years, Australia Reads has been gaining a deeper understanding of the ‘reading problem’ in Australia – investing in research through the Understanding Australian readers report, and connecting with the sector through the National Reading Symposium.
The next phase of our work will include the development of national-scale reading campaigns to help adults, young people and children fall in love with reading, and with Australian stories.
Incoming CEO of Australia Reads, Anna Burkey, says:
“The evidence is clear: Australians need support to overcome the barriers to reading. While most of us want to read more, we also want help getting back into books.
I’m looking forward to continuing our work with a wide community of partners, driving the national conversation around reading, and getting more of us reading more books, more often.”
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