From The Library
The Benefits of Reading Regularly
Just like exercise and healthy eating, a regular diet of reading benefits our minds and bodies. At St Bede’s, students can access the library before and after school as well as during recess and lunchtime. Students can also access eBooks and eAudiobooks 24/7 via the Library homepage. A qualified teacher-librarian is also always available to recommend titles to students and help them find their next favourite read.
Reading regularly can:
- improve brain connectivity
- enhance creativity
- improve memory
- improve concentration and focus
- improve communication skills
- help build empathy
- make you live longer
Other Reasons To Read Regularly
Want to be a CEO? American CEOs are reading an average of almost a book per week.
Want to be a sports star? LeBron James reads before his game to improve his focus and allow him to relax.
Reading Can Improve Your Mental Health and Wellbeing
Recent research by the Australia Reads Foundation found that reading:
- Reading fiction for just five minutes a day can reduce stress by nearly 20%
- Those who read fiction frequently report being considerably less lonely than those who read less frequently
- Adults who read almost every day have a substantially lower risk of being diagnosed with depression
- Reading is emotionally and mentally more engaging as a form of relaxation, which can help promote sleep
- 74% of children agreed that reading fiction and nonfiction helped them better understand and talk about the world around them
From The College Library Team
References
Australia Reads. (2024). The benefits of reading for mental health. Australia Reads. https://australiareads.org.au/news/benefits-reading-mental-health/
Alex-Nmecha, J. C., & Horsfall, M. N. (2019). Reading Culture, Benefits, and the Role of libraries in the 21st century. Library Philosophy and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8986.1989.tb01916.x
Bavishi, A., Slade, M. D., & Levy, B. R. (2016). A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity. Social science & medicine (1982), 164, 44–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.014
Billington, J., Dowrick, C., Hamer, A., Robinson, J., & Williams, C. (2010). An investigation into the therapeutic benefits of reading in relation to depression and well-being. Liverpool: The Reader Organization, Liverpool Health Inequalities Research Centre.
Hughes, A. J. Benefits of Reading for Pleasure; Supporting Research and Sources. https://ajhugheschildrensbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Benefits-of-Reading-Research-and-Sources-Final-2.pdf
USA Today (2018, May 24). 7 books LeBron has read in playoffs since 2012. For the Win. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2018/05/23/7-books-lebron-has-read-in-playoffs-since-2012/111167320/
Wagstaff, J. V. (2020). Benefits of the Habit of Reading. Marriott Student Review, 3(4), 29.