From Staff Reports
September is putting an extra spotlight on reading and literacy across Georgia, with several observances encouraging families and communities to pick up a book.
National Read a Book Day was observed Sept. 6, while Georgia Reads Day is set for Sept. 21, marking the official launch of Georgia Reads Week.
Georgia Reads Day encourages families, educators, libraries, healthcare providers and literacy partners across the state to celebrate the stories that connect people and the power of reading to open new possibilities.
The message is simple: choose a book and read together.
In Cochran and Bleckley County, residents have several places to find their next read.
The Cochran-Bleckley County Library provides books and resources for children, teens and adults, while Little Free Libraries located around the community offer another way to discover books at no cost.
Little Free Libraries can be found at several locations, including the Bleckley County Health Department, Cochran-Bleckley Recreation Department and Bleckley Memorial Hospital. There is also one outside the Cochran municipal building.
These small libraries may not take up much space, but they help make books easier to access. Readers can take a book that interests them and, when possible, leave one for someone else.
For a child, finding the right book can help build a lifelong interest in reading. For an adult, it can mean discovering a new author, revisiting an old favorite or simply enjoying a story without having to buy a book.
Literacy, however, extends far beyond recreational reading.
Reading skills affect nearly every part of daily life, from schoolwork and job applications to understanding health information, following instructions and participating in civic life.
Families can encourage reading in simple ways. Reading together, visiting the library, allowing children to choose books that interest them and keeping books within easy reach can all help make reading a regular part of everyday life.
Adults can also support literacy by placing gently used books in local Little Free Libraries, sharing favorite titles and supporting local libraries and literacy efforts.
There is no single right way to be a reader. Some people prefer mysteries, romance or fantasy. Others reach for biographies, history, devotionals or children’s books. E-books and audiobooks also give readers more ways to enjoy stories and information.
With National Read a Book Day on Sept. 6 and Georgia Reads Day on Sept. 21, September offers plenty of reasons to open a book, share one with someone else and help make reading part of the community.
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