Reading has long been a great pleasure for many. A companion on a dark and lonely night, a way to escape the world, a journey of discovery and form of entertainment. The turn of that fresh page, the feel of the ink on the paper (for printed books are the only way, surely?), the comfort of familiar words or of being in bed reading while the rain pelts the window pane. As Ernest Hemingway once said, ‘There is no friend as loyal as a book.’
Of course, for many, our literary journey begins when we are children. Having stories read to us by our parents, or if we’re lucky, experiencing new ones made up by the more imaginary readers. Then, we get to experience a range of books through our school years, developing taste for particular genres and styles. Some like myself, choose to go on to study literature in more detail at university, turning to writing their own stories, inspired by the likes of Roald Dahl and Thomas Hardy.
It is no secret that we are a nation of book lovers. This is emphasised by the fact that we have around 900 independent bookshops nationwide, over 3,500 libraries and a whole day dedicated to the love of books and reading on 9th August. Bookworms or bibliophiles are catered for across the world with the millions of online as well as bricks and mortar shops that are dedicated to selling book related gifts and memorabilia.
Healthline.com have documented the benefits of reading books and the way they can positively affect our lives in a 2019 online article –
– Strengthens the brain.
– Increases empathy.
– Builds vocabulary.
– Prevents cognitive decline.
– Reduces stress.
– Aids sleep.
– Alleviates depression.
– Lengthens lifespan.
It is also no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic, like many other less troubling times, has made us turn to our faithful friends more regularly, to comfort us and to provide escape.
In May 2020, the Guardian reported a huge increase in people reading books during lockdown conditions. Nielsen Book’s research found that 41% of people said they were reading more books since Boris Johnson imposed the measures on 23 March. According to the nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults, surveyed from 29 April to 1 May, the nation has also increased the amount of time it spends reading books, from around 3.5 hours per week to six. Instead of dystopian fiction, readers were said to be turning to the ‘comfort’ of crime and thrillers instead.
More than half (52%) of the respondents said they were reading more, because they had more spare time. Also, 51% said it was because they wanted to stay entertained and 35% felt books were providing “an escape from the crisis”.
The National Literacy Trust reported in 2020, that children are reading and enjoying books more during lockdown. 27.6% of children and young people said they were enjoying reading more during lockdown. Pre-lockdown, children’s enjoyment of reading had reached a 15-year low.
They also found that reading has also provided refuge in this difficult time, supporting children’s mental wellbeing and enabling them to dream about the future.
“3 in 5 (59.3%) children and young people told us during lockdown that reading makes them feel better. And 3 in 10 (31.6%) said that reading helps them when they feel sad because they cannot see their family and friends”
Neilson’s book’s study also found that while the gender gap in children’s reading has widened during lockdown, audiobooks may provide a route into books for boys.
Of course, access to books during the pandemic has been difficult, with many bookshops and libraries having to close their doors, and the option of borrowing books from friends is now forbidden. Although, in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, several services are available to offer access for readers with a thirst for new books.
Pembrokeshire libraries are currently offering a click and collect order system, which was launched through the County Council in July 2020, following demand for the service. In September, the scheme was extended to a further 3 smaller libraries in the county.
Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said he was sure the expansion of the Order and Collect service would be welcome news for library members:
“I’m delighted that we are now able to expand this popular service to more libraries in the county,
If customers in these communities do not want to travel to one of our larger libraries, they now have a service being delivered by their local library that they can support and enjoy.
We are working hard behind the scenes towards our overall goal of reopening all libraries across the county, when it is safe to do so, and we will announce further developments in due course.”
Library members can select up to a maximum of six items, and can either ask for a pre-selected collection such as romance or thrillers, or select specific titles from the online catalogue that are located at the library they wish to collect from.
To access the online catalogue, log onto:
www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/libraries-and-culture and select ‘Find Library Books’.
Orders can be placed online via the Order and Collect form at:
www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/libraries-reopening
or over the phone by contacting one of the five libraries operating the service.
Library members can also continue to enjoy free access to thousands of e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines and e-comics via the 24/7 e-Library.
To access the 24/7 e-Library, log onto: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/libraries-and-culture and select ‘24/7 e-Library’.
Carmarthenshire libraries are offering a similar service, that can be accessed here:
https://wales.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/client/en_GB/carm_en
as well as a digital library service which has been expanded to allow for extra facilities for those taking part in home learning, working from home or just wanting to expand their reading collection.
Victoria Bookshop on Bridge Street in Haverfordwest is providing a service for customers to order online through Hive and have their books delivered to their homes. Hive works with independent bookshops to ensure they benefit from book sales (through a cut of the sale), allowing customers to purchase books and select their choice of bookshop when they checkout.
Goldstone Books in Carmarthen is also offering book bundles for children, adults and antique book enthusiasts through their website.
The love of reading and sharing love of books within the community has been hit hard by COVID-19 and this has led to many literary events moving online – such as Hay Festival (based in Hay on Wye every May/June) which led the way in digital technology by preparing and launching an online festival for free, after generous donations from the public worldwide.
The event saw authors from all over the world take part in readings and discussions, while an audience from the UK, America and beyond watched and became involved in events over the National lockdown. It raised spirits and made new connections, promising something similar running in future, alongside the live event at Hay on Wye, making the literature festival accessible to more than ever before.
The rise of online book groups, and the transference of local groups to an online platform has seen a great love for books shared in a whole new way. Of course, it’s not just about a love of reading books, but of talking about them too. While writers like myself, have taken to connecting with an audience through an online platform and sharing our work in new ways, allowing readers to gain access to new material and the authors they enjoy, in exciting formats.
Whatever kind of reader you are, whether you read often or occasionally, fiction or non-fiction, chick lit or classics, it’s clear that the benefits are being felt now more than ever. Thanks to local libraries, bookshops and online streaming facilities, we are able to access and share our love of literature like never before.
