Unfortunately, reading has become a lost pastime with technological advances. However, I value the importance of reading and libraries. Many children fail to understand the significance of the library, but I view this safe haven as a place to relax and escape. My mom grew up without many resources and used the library to enjoy a novel and stay cool in the summertime. Who doesn’t love free air conditioning?!

Students must read ample amounts of literature and textbooks for classes, and while the information shared may be of interest to students, this task takes away from reading at one’s leisure. I enjoy reading for pleasure over reading for academia because…

1. I am able to freely choose a book.

2. I have the freedom to read at my own pace.

3. I can start or join a book club if I want.

4. I do not have a deadline or reading questions to keep in mind.

5. I can mindlessly skim or return to a passage whenever I please without having to be concerned about a professor’s berating.

6. I am able to create my own library.

7. I am able to share my books with my friends and loved ones without having to worry about returning my books to the bookstore by a certain date.

8. I am able to choose to read from a wide array of genres.

9. I only assess myself on the reading if I want to and have no agita over whether or not my professor will randomly quiz me.

10. The reading pertains to my interests and passions.

11. I do not feel pressured to complete the book if I am ultimately not a fan.

12. I am able to read on the beach without having to worry about reporting my findings back to class.

13. Reading on my own serves as escapism.

14. Tedious note-taking and bookmarking are optional if I read on my own.

15. I am able to freely reflect on my own without monitored and professor-led discussion.

16. I am able to inspire myself as a reader and writer through my individualized reading.

17. School is most likely not currently in session when I read for pleasure!

Reading is a dying art that must be preserved because research proves that reading is excellent in expanding one’s knowledge and vocabulary. Reading is able to be treasured beyond classroom purposes. I take the pledge to read for myself and not for others, do you?