Spreading the word

Across the globe, a total 793 million people are unable to read. Today’s World Read Aloud Day aims to raise awareness of illiteracy rates and help people improve a skill that many of us take for granted.

Orange City Council is encouraging residents to head to a local library and read aloud with children, family and friends.

Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards said, “World Read Aloud Day motivates children, teens and adults to celebrate the power of words and creates a community of readers taking action to show the world that the right to literacy belongs to all.”

Orange City Library will be spreading the word during Storytime at 11am.

“Studies show that literacy is the foundation for emotional and physical well-being, intellectual growth, and economic security,” Ms Richards said.

“Reading aloud also improves listening skills, vocabulary acquisition, and the understanding of common story themes and structures that will factor into children’s future success.”