Dear Colleagues:
Last month, IFRT Reads hosted a discussion on Maryanne Wolf's Reader Come Home, which led to an inspiring conversation as well as practical ideas on what librarians can do to promote "deep reading" among the general public and all age groups. Although we are living in ominous times, we as librarians still have a responsibility to address the crisis of reading and the addiction to distraction that is plaguing our country.
Whether you attended the discussion on Wolf's book or not, you are welcome to attend a follow-up discussion on December 19 at 2 p.m. E.T. At that meeting, we will talk about how to organize efforts to promote deep reading at our libraries. You can register for this meeting using this
link.
Below are some key thoughts and suggestions that came out of the October 28 discussion. Attached is also the summary and evaluation of Maryanne Wolf's book which was offered at that meeting.
- Deep reading is about sustained attention. It is a quiet dialogic reading.
- Deep reading is the deep thought and taking time and space to delve into a topic.
- Deep reading is not only about reading. It is long-form engagement. It promotes empathy and critical thinking.
- The key word is reflection and learning how to do everything reflectively.
- We need posters in the library which define deep reading.
- Librarians can teach deep reading techniques to teachers and college students who might become future teachers.
- The return to the Science of Reading as the method of teaching reading at elementary schools needs to be better understood by all librarians
- School and public librarians need to help teachers lead students to higher literary value texts.
- Public librarians can organize sessions in which all participants read the same text for 40 minutes and then discuss the text.
- In a nationwide environment in which most students of all age groups are resisting reading books, it is incumbent upon school, public and academic librarians to find ways to encourage deep reading and recreational reading.
- The key problem is the lack of attention and aversion to deep engagement. How do we foster it?
- We need to reach out to families and also address equity issues.
- People of all ages need time for deep reading and deep listening.
- We have to teach young people how to love talking about ideas.
- We need a nationwide campaign to promote deep reading.
Martin Garnar
Member, IFRT Programming and Events Committee
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Martin Garnar (he/him/his)
Director, Amherst College Library
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