Editor, Times-Union: Do you enjoy reading? Many people do, but some only read (or pretend to read) because their parents or teachers tell them to. In the Warsaw Community Public Library and my school library I’ve seen a lot of negative attitudes toward reading. At the Warsaw Community Public Library, kids and youth alike complain that their parents want them to read. I’ve seen young people just pretend to read and use the summary on the back so their parents or teacher would believe they’d read it. At my school on the other hand, some students check out books, but as soon as they return to the classroom, they put them in the return bin. I propose that we encourage young and old to read and complete the books they check out.
First, reading is an easy way to learn facts and information, and there are some books that can encourage us in our walk with God. In “Atticus of Rome”, a slave by the name of Spartacus tried to overtake Rome. I had not known about Spartacus until I read “Atticus of Rome”. Billy Sunday, a well-known evangelist, wrote many good books about Christianity and God. He has influenced millions of people.
Second, other people could be reading and enjoying the very book checked out by you but never read. I have spoken to people who want a book that is checked out or overdue. Popular books are constantly being checked out. If you check out a popular book you’re not going to read, at school or at a local library, the people who do want to read it won’t be able to because it’s lying idly on your desk.
Lastly, reading helps pass the time. Millions of people enjoy reading to pass the time. My family and many others do. Even if you’re just reading to pass the time, you’ll learn things you’ll never forget and may need later.
In conclusion, you can have fun reading if you try. Grab that book you weren’t planning to read and enter its word. Check those books out, read them, and return them so some other people can enjoy them, too.
