MCC Daily Tribune
World Literacy Day
World Literacy Day is commemorated on September 8 every year. The day is observed to remind the international community of the importance of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies, as well as the necessity for increased efforts toward a more literate society, as per the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD LITERACY DAY
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Encourage someone to read
What could be more rewarding than assisting someone in becoming more knowledgeable by encouraging them to read?! It's a rewarding experience to assist a family member who is just learning to read or to offer assistance to a neighbor or friend who requires tutoring.
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Start a book club
Gather a bunch of friends and read a book together while discussing it to show your appreciation for the day. Even if you've already read the book, discussing it in a group may make it so much better and more intriguing.
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Read a book
Picking up a book is an easy way to start celebrating! Visit your local library or literary center for a more immersive experience.
5 FACTS ABOUT BOOKS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
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That ‘good story’ smell
The term 'Bibliosma' is the love for the smell of books.
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Not-so-light reading
Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Codex Leicester,” written in 1510, holds the record for the most expensive book; it was purchased for a mouth-watering $30.8 million by Bill Gates.
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Ancient halls
Founded in 565 A.D., the oldest operational library in the world lies at the foothills of Mount Sinai in Egypt within Saint Catherine's Monastery and holds the world's second-largest treasure trove of manuscripts outside the Vatican City.
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Care-worn
The “Bible,” “Chairman Mao Tse-Tung's Quotations,” and the “Harry Potter” series are the three most widely read books.
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Lucky 13
J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series suffered rejection from 12 separate publishers before it was picked up by Bloomsbury.
WHY WORLD LITERACY DAY IS IMPORTANT
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Raising awareness about literacy
The day aims to create awareness, spark discussion, and inspire action on literacy as a force of human development. The observance sheds light on the importance of literacy and the crucial role it plays in our society.
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Literacy improves the standard of living
Literacy is a force of change in any society. Rising levels of learning can influence eradicating poverty, reducing infant mortality, managing population growth, and attaining gender equality.
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An excuse to read
In the context of a digital world, World Literacy Day is an important reminder of the joys and benefits of reading. It’s the perfect excuse to unplug from the matrix and get lost in a good book.
Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
09/08/2022