By Zunaira Riaz
Over time, reading habits have transformed dramatically especially now, when an overwhelming amount of content is available at our fingertips. In the days before the internet and smartphones, people relied heavily on books and newspapers. Libraries played a central role in everyday life, serving not only as places to find books but also as spaces for community learning and discussion. Reading was largely a solitary activity done for joy, knowledge, or simply to pass time. With fewer distractions, readers immersed themselves deeply in whatever they held in their hands.
Today, the landscape is completely different. We have e-books, audiobooks, and endless online material. People read on phones, tablets, and computers. Information is instantly accessible yet staying focused has become more difficult. Constant notifications, social media, and the urge to multitask pull attention in many directions. Jumping between topics, posts, and books has become common, making sustained reading more challenging.
Despite this shift, reading remains profoundly beneficial. It strengthens vocabulary and language skills, sharpens critical thinking, and opens doors to understanding diverse cultures and perspectives. Before the digital age, reading was a slow, immersive experience. A book was a physical companion its pages turned by hand, its story absorbed with dedication and calm focus. Libraries were lively hubs where people exchanged ideas, discussed books, and connected intellectually. With fewer distractions, readers had the opportunity to reflect, analyze, and truly savor content.
In today’s screen-dominated world, reviving the love of reading requires conscious effort. For older adults, this might mean returning to the familiar comfort of physical books beginning with genres they’ve always enjoyed. Creating a cozy reading corner at home with good lighting and a comfortable chair can make the experience even more inviting. Communities can also set up small outdoor book spots in parks where elders can read peacefully during morning or evening walks.
For children, incorporating reading into playtime can spark excitement. Activities such as acting out stories, drawing scenes from books, or recreating characters can make reading feel interactive and fun. Art inspired by storybooks increases engagement and helps children form emotional connections with stories. Libraries can further support these habits by hosting storytelling hours, reading challenges, and book-themed events. Making reading a shared family activity where everyone reads or discusses a book together can build strong reading habits. Seniors sharing their favorite childhood books with young readers can create meaningful emotional bonds and strengthen intergenerational affection.
Encouraging a culture of reading requires creativity. Interactive games such as book-themed scavenger hunts where clues inspired by plots or characters lead to hidden books or rewards can be extremely engaging. Character charades and drawing sessions bring stories to life. Creative workshops where participants design new book covers or imagine sequels help stimulate imagination and visual expression.
Trivia nights focused on authors, plots, and characters add an element of excitement for book enthusiasts. Reading bingo cards with tasks like “Read a book with a blue cover” provide structure while keeping the experience flexible. Designing book-themed escape rooms based on literary puzzles challenges critical thinking in a fun way. Storytelling competitions, where participants write or narrate their own stories inspired by books, foster confidence and creativity.
For Pakistan specifically, these activities can be made culturally relevant. Scavenger hunts can include clues inspired by Urdu literature or local authors. Charades and drawing games can feature characters from famous Pakistani novels, dramas, and history. Schools and community centers can host trivia nights centered on Urdu literature, Pakistani history, and cultural themes. Reading bingo can include prompts like “Read a book by a Pakistani author.” Book-themed escape rooms can incorporate puzzles based on local folklore and historical events. Storytelling competitions can encourage children and adults to share tales inspired by Pakistani culture. Book-to-film comparison sessions especially featuring adaptations of Pakistani novels can further spark interest.
By blending creativity, culture, and community engagement, we can transform reading from a solitary habit into a vibrant shared experience. With consistent effort, reading can once again become an essential and cherished part of life for both children and adults.