“All books are divisible into two classes, the books of the hour, and the books of all time.” – John Ruskin

21st April 2008

Recently I was invited to learn a new skill, so always keen for fresh experiences I gave it a go. Filled with trepidation and desire to “please” my enthusiastic instructor I threw myself into the activity with gusto!

It was clear from the start however that I was hopeless, my usual dexterity, intelligence and co-ordination had deserted me, so shamefully I admitted defeat and sloped away to sulk, which left me with plenty of time to think. I stopped to consider what it would be like if someone had similar difficulty learning a skill that I need and use so regularly in my life and enjoy so much.

Suddenly I was acutely aware of all the judgements, assumptions and notions I held about people who have difficulty learning the skill of reading and realised that, whilst it is such a basic skill, it’s one which can ultimately change your life. It’s easy to think that just because you are able to do something so easily why can’t everyone else?

I tried to imagine how I’d have felt if whilst attempting to learn my new skill I’d had such pressure bearing down on me, instead of sloping off for a cup of tea, I’m sure panic, anger, frustration, and hopelessness are all reactions I could’ve expected to arise.

Thankfully there’s currently a lot of help available to ease the process of learning to read, such as the BBC RaW campaign, the Reading Agencys 6 book challenge, or Quick Reads titles
all of which can be accessed through your Library. So if you know of anyone who would like some help with reading why not bring them along on your next Library visit and you can enjoy developing your skill together!

As with any skill reading is something which can be as complex or as simple as befitting your abilities or interest, one persons Gormenghast is another persons Hogwarts. Can we then say that a persons reading choice reflects their personality? Are we right or wrong to assume things about people because of their choice of reading matter? Or does it say more about the person doing the judging?.................

Rachel W.