A Speech for School Children on the Importance of Books and Reading

Why is reading important? It is important because it is a habit that can make you a better
person. Biographies of great men and women tell us that most of them became great
because of the inspiration they got from reading books especially during their childhood
days.

Books not only inspire us, but they also provide knowledge. Even though technology has
brought in many changes to the way we read, it has only enhanced our ability to get
connected to different sources of knowledge through reading.

Reading exposes our mind to different cultures and languages of the world. It helps us to
digest the best that different regions of the world like Asia and the Middle East, America,
Europe, and Africa have to offer us. As our minds are exposed to such ideas through
reading, it helps us to communicate with depth of thought and a wide mixture of emotional
colours as well.

Again, reading gives us entertainment. Novels, short stories, poems, travelogues, even

comics and cartoons entertain our minds. It helps us relax. More than that, it engages our
mind in a way nothing else does. Our imagination is ignited when we read. We become co-
creators of stories as we animate the stories we read in our minds. It is definitely a healthy
exercise to the mind.

These are reasons why books have been treasured, and to create a habit of reading;
libraries established. There are libraries in the world where ancient manuscripts are
preserved. They connect us to our roots and are a window through which we are able to see
the history of the world.

But then with the giant leap of technology has come digital libraries which place books at
our finger tips. Therefore, with mobiles and tablets, reading can happen even while
traveling. The one difference it has made is that instead of flipping through the pages of a
book physically, we use touchscreens. Yes, the way people read has changed, but reading as
a habit continues to hold sway in the minds of people.

At the same time, we need to be reminded that good books are a great investment. As
Francis Bacon, the great essayist, said, “Some books are to be tasted, others to be
swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” Finally, some books can be like a
beam of light lighting up your path ahead.

Therefore, choose good books wisely. Make them your companions. And like good friends,
they will give you counsel and wisdom when you need those most.