Page 10 - Kyalami Issue 2 May 2024

3.0 Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design Folder (Inner) 26
BOOKS
ESTATE NEWS
WORLD BOOK DAY

ccording to the National Reading
Survey, more than half of
South African adults still live in
households without literature
and this is not improving over
Atime. It also reports that some
65% of children turn ten years old without having
a single picture book in their homes.

Jane Moloney, executive director of the Paper
Manufacturing Association (PAMSA) says that
this is “a devastating statistic”. PAMSA promotes
the use of paper for communication, packaging,
books and print media.
The same survey found that 77% of adults who
live with children believe that it is important
for children to read in print and not on cell
phones or digital devices. While digital reading
is widespread, especially among people aged
35 and under, there is still a place for the
printed word, according to PAMSA. Maloney
says that reading in print should not be seen as
a competitor to reading on screen, but digital
books should not be a replacement for the
accessibility of printed reading materials.
World Book Day, 23 April, is centered around the
theme Read Your Way, giving everyone a choice
and a chance to enjoy reading. Paper-based
books are important for early readers and can
open up a whole new world for children. This is WHY PAPER BOOKS ARE GOOD FOR US
why initiatives such as Book Dash and Nali’bali
are making great strides to provide books for Paper books should always have a place in homes and schools for the
young children. following reasons:
The former publishes printable open source • Tactile engagement: there is an unmatched physical response
books on their website for free; it’s a to holding a book, turning its pages and feeling its weight. This
convergence of both worlds, allowing anyone can create a deeper connection with the content, especially when
to read, download, print and share the books. children engage with picture books. This in turn enhances the reading
The latter encourages reading as a daily activity. experience, making it fun and appealing.
Operating in seven provinces, it provides free
online audio stories and story books to children • Enhanced focus and comprehension: reading for meaning is a
in all 11 official languages, as well as Braille. critical development milestone. According to the National Reading
Survey, less that 20% of Grade 4 learners (approx. ten years old)
Residents are encouraged to use our wonderful cannot read for meaning. Research suggests that reading from paper
community library. See hours below. encourages better focus and comprehension compared to reading
from screens. Without digital distractions, flipping trough paper pages
can help readers maintain concentration and retain information more
effectively, as they create a visual map of what they have read or
where on the page they read it.

• Better for your eyes and brain: in an era dominated by screens,
opting for paper books can help us ‘unplug’ from digital devices.
Reading from a printed page reduces eye strain and exposure to blue
light, promoting better sleep and overall well-being, especially when
reading before bedtime.
• Sentimental value, collectability and shareability: there is an
incomparable sentimentality to paper books. Whether it’s a cherished
childhood story, a gift from a loved one or a well-worn favourite, books
are memories. For avid readers and collectors, there’s a special
pleasure in building a physical library, a display of tangible reminders
of literary journeys and personal milestones. Printed books can also
be shared among family and friends.
While digital formats offer convenience and accessibility, paper books
provide a richer experience that many people still find irreplaceable.
Information and photos supplied by the Media Portal on behalf of PAMSA

8 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 2 • 2024