Today is World Book Day, an occasion to write about the importance of reading and to create more awareness, especially among the younger generations, of the value of such a hobby.

Books are introduced to children from a tender age. We start using books in the home and later at school, and we literally grow up with them. Our children learn through the use of books.

But while many understand the importance of learning and as such become good friends with books, there are also many who see books as their enemy – books equal examinations – and do not grasp the idea that books are there to help us grow, open up our mind and learn more.

A concept that is mentioned ever so often is that we never cease to learn. And although in this day and age of technology there are other ways from where information can be obtained, books still remain one of the biggest tools that enable people to widen their horizons. A person who reads is more knowledgeable, can keep up an intelligent conversation for longer and most of all is open to other people’s ideas.

Of course, there are different books for different people. Some prefer to read for leisure, others are more interested in learning more. But whatever the nature of a book, it is always an enriching experience, and most of all it can be fun. With a book, one can never be lonely.

It is accepted that today time is limited and there are many other ways to entertain oneself. Computer and television today take up most of our free time in the home, and this leaves little time for books. Yet everyone should make a stronger effort to read more.

People should make it a habit to take a book with them wherever they go, because they will realise that they will find the time to read more – while waiting at a clinic or at the bank perhaps, or while waiting for the children’s dance class or a football training session to finish. Books are not heavy to carry, and they take little space too. It is so sad to see so much time that is wasted, when it could be used better. And one can always spend that half an hour in bed reading before going to sleep.

It is unfortunate that in this day and age people are reading less and less, and the excuse always is that there is little time left for reading. What is perhaps more unfortunate is that the younger generations are reading less and less too, and this is mostly attributable to the fact that today’s children have “other” things to do – and in most cases the “other” things are computer games, the internet and games they can play on TV.

Such entertainment is fun for children, and we are not suggesting that they should be deprived of it. But at the same time it must be insisted that at least 30 minutes of reading will do children much more good, and therefore it would be a wise move on the parents’ part to indicate this to their children and insist that they do it. Parents could give an example to their children by taking up a book themselves too.

Perhaps the next time a birthday is coming up, or for Christmas, it would be a good idea to give our children (and adults too) a book as a gift. It might be the first step for that person to take up, or resume, reading as a hobby.

It is worth it.