The idea of an annual Book Day was mooted by the International Publishers’ Association. It was formally adopted on November 15, 1995. It was subsequently expanded by the Russian Federation to include the term ‘copyright.’ Now every year, on April 23, the World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated to nurture creativity and promote reading; also as a reminder for protection of literature through the use of copyrights.

While the day is globally recognised, it is still barely celebrated in Pakistan, where the culture of reading seems to be declining increasingly, bookstores are closing down and libraries are rare. Given the situation, acknowledging the World Book Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate authors, illustrators, books and most importantly, the habit of reading.

April 23 also marks the birthday of renowned playwright and poet William Shakespeare. A worldwide tribute to books and authors, celebrating the day is an effort to promote all forms of reading and writing in order to fight illiteracy and poverty, to build sustainable societies and to strengthen the foundations of peace. Only an avid reader knows how important reading is, especially in today’s digital age when it is so easy to be distracted.

To read a good book is to think, feel, learn and experience the world all over again.

In some nations, book clubs attain a form of reading nurseries. Be it book clubs or study circles or discussion forums, these are the platforms for knowledge generation, discussion of important subjects and information sharing. Book clubs have become a way for people to get back into the habit of reading and to discover the delights of the written word in the form of a group. Book clubs are increasingly needed for all age groups. Reading for pleasure is essential, as it helps in giving a depth to our perspective and expands our understanding of life. Book clubs provide a platform to read, talk, discuss and share.

One book-related activity that takes place almost every year is regular book fairs that attract a huge number of publishers, printers, book sellers as well as buyers. However, there is a dire need to expand these book fairs and exhibitions to rural areas and all language groups, to create a climate in which a large number of people can buy and read books. It is even better if students of local schools are involved in setting up these fairs. Today a reader; tomorrow a leader.

Syed Mubashar Hussain Shah, an MPhil scholar, says, “It is true that there was a decline in reading but for the past few years, I have noticed a revival of interest in reading especially among the young. In the seventies and eighties, there was an alarming feeling that Pakistani languages were going to be extinct soon.” Shah, says translations from regional languages have made the regional authors popular in other provinces.

There is no doubt about the fact that literature plays a vital role in nation building. It is also true that childhood today is drastically different from just a few decades ago. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that fantasy is still one of the most popular genres with children. Humour remains a close second and works in any plot. Mohammad Arshad, who never went to school himself says he has tried to inculcate the habit of reading in his children ever since they were very young. “There is a need to promote the book culture among the new generation. Books and playgrounds play a significant role in eliminating the menace of drugs,” observes Arshad, a father of three.

If traditional libraries want to survive today, they must come up with something special to offer to the readers. For sustenance, the classical library set up has to be blended with the demands of modern times. As everyone in the family is either watching television or is engaged on mobile phones, children too are busy with computer games or watching cartoon channels. It clearly shows the difference and change in the social environment. Establishing a chain of libraries in every city and village is important. Introducing regular mobile libraries can also be a very good option for remote regions. Public libraries used to be an important place for literary activities. This has almost gone out of fashion.

Mohammad Shahbaz, a school teacher in Rawalpindi says, “The reading should start at the earliest possible. Interesting stories with pictures help enhance children’s interest in reading. Parents and teachers should encourage children to read.”

Promoting the reuse of books by collecting old books from students, book banks are reaching out to the needy students through a network of volunteer students. While many government schools have already set up small book banks on their premises, private book banks are now coming up with support from NGOs and private-run schools. Schools and colleges ask their graduating students to donate their old books that are in good condition for reuse. The initiative helps students from needy families, who cannot afford to buy new books. Many private schools in Rawalpindi-Islamabad are following suit.

“During our childhood, we used to get our school books through book banks. Now, that the books alone punch a big hole in parents’ pockets, creating book banks by collecting old textbooks, unused notebooks and other stationery from students for those in need can help many families continue their kids’ education,” says Sohail Aashiq, vice-principal of Muslim School and College, Islamabad.

Readers with Special Needs clubs promote the idea of inclusive learning through a series of audio, silent, tactile and Braille books. These clubs have an inventory of books including integrated print-Braille books, books for differently-abled children with sight or ear impairment, autistic children, readers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among others.

Recently audiobooks have shown a remarkable resurgence. The best part of these books is the convenience that comes with them. One can listen to these books while attending to other chores, thus utilising one’s time to its fullest. The ease with which the mind absorbs the spoken word, the nuances that are added through the performance, the way things are pronounced, the cadence and the diction that comes with an audiobook, make for a rich experience. However, unlike reading a text, there is no visual clue to help one navigate one’s way back from a detour the mind takes.

It is a world that opens a new dimension for the bibliophile, and even the traditional paper-book-in-hand purists can be allured, even if for a little while.

The writer is a freelance journalist in Islamabad.

He tweets @Saleem_Shahid