Literacy Day: Never too young to start, never too old to stop reading

While digital books are easy to access, nothing matches the joy of holding a real book – the feel of the pages, the smell of the paper, and the delight of turning each page. International Literacy Day, celebrated on 8 September, is a reminder of the power of reading and writing to improve education, work opportunities, and qua-lity of life.

Reading is a skill that is best developed when children start young. It helps them develop language, vocabulary, and critical thinking. At Haven of St Francis, residents enjoy their own library, lovingly managed by “librarian” Ans Human (76, to the right). Under her care, residents can borrow and return books, keeping alive the same love of reading they have had all their lives. With her is fellow booklover Arné Rodseth (75), who could read before starting school. Please don’t throw away old books - Ans gladly accepts donations for the library. (Image: Petra de Blom)