“A reader lives a thousand lives before they die. The person who never reads lives only one.” Author George R.R. Martin reflects the transformative power of reading, showing how books can transport a person through insightful experiences.
At UB, the newly established book club is actively working to bring the love and joy of reading back to college students.
The club is designed to be a relaxed space with an absence of academic pressure — an environment where reading isn’t forced, but appreciated and discussed. Members also aim to foster an environment where free discussion is encouraged without the constraints of cellphones or digital distractions.
“We wanted to create a space where students from any major or career path could come together to engage with literary works and join in collaborative discussions,” said Aidah Tabassum, a junior civil engineering major and UB Book Club Treasurer.
The book club comes to UB as today, reading is on the decline across all age groups. From children to adults, fewer people are choosing to read in their free time. The drop in reading habits among children is particularly concerning, as reading at a young age is crucial and closely linked to increased social competence and greater academic achievement. Yet despite these benefits, reading frequency has reached a historic low, with 20.5% of 8 to 18-year-olds reporting reading daily in their free time — a percentage that continues to fall.
This trend cannot be attributed to a single cause; rather, it stems from a combination of factors. For instance, the rise of social media and digital platforms has drawn many children away from traditional reading. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions, leading to academic setbacks and a further decline in reading.
While the drop in leisurely reading is concerning, there are encouraging signs of progress in children’s literacy.
“Educators are recognizing the importance of using texts that reflect students’ diverse backgrounds, making reading more relevant and engaging for children,” said Wei Dei, a professor of early childhood education at UB..
While the benefits of reading at a young age are clear, it’s equally important to emphasize the value of reading for pleasure in adulthood. Currently, 54% of adults aged 16 to 74 struggle with literacy, reading below a sixth-grade level. This issue tends to be more prevalent in areas riddled with poverty, poor health and economic challenges.
In Western New York, specifically, many residents are unaware of the free literacy programs and resources available to them. In fact, 80% of individuals report not knowing about these opportunities, while 84% express interest in enrolling if they did.
In instances like WNY, the reduction in reading rates is tied not only to interest, but the lack of awareness surrounding programs that promote literacy, which addresses a key issue; reading must be encouraged and promoted.
“I hope this club will inspire people to put down their phone for 30 minutes, and talk with no set guidelines. It’s a great feeling of community in a world that feels divided,” said UB Book Club Vice President Isabella Lopez, a senior English major.
Book club meetings are typically held weekly. The book is decided by a poll, which nominates the next book that the group will read. Members are encouraged to read the selected book throughout the week, with a recommended reading pace discussed. This structure allows for open, thoughtful conversations and the opportunity to explore different perspectives on the material.
“Reading is one of the greatest ways to gain knowledge, expand emotional intelligence, and gain perspective and I hope to inspire students on campus to read for those reasons, if not for fun” said UB book club President Karen Huot, a senior english major.
As reading habits continue to shift, efforts like the UB book club serve as a reminder that stories have the power to connect, inspire and build strong communities.
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