Australia Reads At Home

Now that we’re staying in, it’s a good time to get reading.

Books – in whatever shape, size, or form – are a great way to unwind, to learn new things, discover new stories, and feel all kinds of emotions.

Educate

Entertain

Inform

Inspire

Enjoy

Reading is enjoyable and relaxing.

Books can be an escape from the worries of everyday life ^[1]. Reading also reduces stress by 68% – it works quicker than listening to music, playing a videogame or a walk. ^[2]

Learn

Books help you learn and explore.

Reading makes your world bigger and makes more things possible. Literacy and reading are tools that can help you achieve your goals ^[3] and help others. So, being able to read can improve your life and the lives of the people around you.

Grow

Reading helps your mind grow. It helps connect different parts of your brain. After reading a book, your brain activity is boosted for days ^[4]. It’s exercise and nourishment for your mind – good for your health now and down the track! ^[5]

Connect

Books create meaning and connect us to others. By reading other people’s stories you can walk in their shoes. And in doing so, learn more about yourself, too ^[6]. Books build empathy, connection and help you feel less lonely ^[7]. Plus, sharing books, doing bookish activities, and reading together is a great way to stay connected to the people in your life – and meet new people too!

Take The Pledge

You can show your support by taking the pledge to read this November!

Join Us

Want to find out more? We’d love to hear your stories about the way reading helps you enjoy, learn, grow and connect.

Follow the hashtag #AustraliaReadsAtHome, take the pledge, and follow us on social media!

#AustraliaReadsAtHome is a joint industry initiative.

Footnotes:

Resources:

https://www.publishers.asn.au/news/reading-is-good-for-you

Literacy and reading for pleasure play a significant role in a person’s happiness and success
Reading for pleasure is important for personal development and awareness and educational aspirations and success
Reading for pleasure improves lives
Reading and literacy is good for your health
Children who grow up in poverty have lower literacy, education and health levels parents’ involvement in their child’s education is crucial
Increasing literacy and numeracy skills have a positive and significant effect on jobs and wages
Investing in Upskilling: Increased literacy skills will create a healthier, wealthier, more engaged and more equitable society
Reading and literacy can help children escape poverty
Literacy is a key part of any crime prevention strategy
Getting children reading is a job for us all