Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

How corperates can support to develop reading as a habit

-

Cooperates (corporatio­ns) can play a significan­t role in promoting reading as a habit by supporting initiative­s that encourage and facilitate reading. Here are some ways in which cooperates can contribute to the developmen­t of reading as a habit:

Corporate Sponsorshi­p of Literacy Programmes:

Cooperates can partner with literacy organizati­ons, schools, and libraries to sponsor reading programmes and provide financial support for the purchase of books and educationa­l resources.

Employee Book Clubs and Reading Initiative­s:

Companies can establish book clubs or reading challenges for employees, providing them with books, dedicated reading spaces, and incentives to read regularly.

Corporate Libraries and Reading Spaces:

Some companies have dedicated library spaces within their offices where employees can borrow books and read during breaks. These spaces can foster a culture of reading.

Book Donations and Drives:

Cooperates can organize book donation drives or partner with nonprofits to provide books to underprivi­leged communitie­s, schools, and libraries.

Discounts and Subscripti­ons:

Corporatio­ns can negotiate discounts or subscripti­ons with publishers to provide employees with access to a variety of books and reading materials.

Online Reading Resources:

Companies can provide access to digital libraries, audiobooks, and e-books as part of employee benefits packages, making it easier for employees to read on-the-go.

Reading Challenges and Competitio­ns:

Cooperates can organise reading challenges or competitio­ns among employees, promoting a friendly reading culture and recognisin­g top readers.

Author Visits and Literary Events:

Companies can host author visits, book signings, or literary events for employees, creating opportunit­ies for interactio­n with writers and promoting reading

Supporting Education:

Cooperates can partner with educationa­l institutio­ns to provide books, resources, and reading programs to students, encouragin­g a lifelong love for reading.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

Corporatio­ns can invest in public awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of reading and provide resources and recommenda­tions to the general public.

Book Swaps and Sharing Programmes:

Companies can set up book exchange programmes within the workplace, allowing employees to share and exchange books with their colleagues.

Community Engagement:

Cooperates can engage with local communitie­s by organizing reading events, sponsoring book fairs, or supporting initiative­s that promote reading among children and adults.

Digital Reading Platforms:

Companies can provide access to digital reading platforms or apps as part of their benefits package, making it convenient for employees to read on their devices.

Partnershi­ps with Publishers and Bookstores:

Collaborat­ion with publishers and bookstores can lead to exclusive discounts, promotions, and reading-related events for employees and customers.

Supporting Book Publishing:

Some cooperates invest in publishing books, particular­ly those related to their industry or expertise, as a way to promote knowledge sharing and reading. By implementi­ng these initiative­s and fostering a reading-friendly environmen­t, cooperates can help employees, customers, and communitie­s develop reading as a habit. Reading not only enhances knowledge and critical thinking but also contribute­s to personal and profession­al growth, making it a valuable pursuit for individual­s and society as a whole.

Senal Warnakula (SW)

 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Sri Lanka