Increasing time spent reading could be a beneficial resolution for this year, especially for students.
University students claim that it’s difficult to find time to read books outside of their curriculum with some commenting they simply don’t even have time to do the readings assigned for class.
“Reading a little every day is very important for us students,” UW student of psychology, Fernando Munoz said. “It is even better if you read outside your curriculum as a small break from your academics. Not only does it expand your knowledge and vocabulary, but it also helps you relieve stress.”
UW students have great resources for them to expand their reading materials. An example would be the enormous book collection the Coe Library has to offer students for free.
“We have a vast collection of all kinds of books that the students may desire starting from academic books to novels, poetry books, biographies and so much more,” Makayla Woffinden, library aide, said.
Another great resource would be the Albany County Public Library located in the heart of the town. They are open to the public Monday through Saturday.
Laramie is also home to many bookstores and coffee shops which offer a variety of literature.
Laramie’s Night Heron Book Store and Coffee House offers books and delicacies in the same place.
Second Story Books supplies out of print used and rare books in all subjects. They have worked with many universities as an agent of sale to expand their collection of reading materials.
In today’s world reading is a privilege. In Ghana, for example, only 50 percent of children complete grade 5, because they simply cannot afford the reading materials that they require to complete their education.
“As a teacher, I understand the importance of learning with books,” UW doctoral student Adeline Borti who started the Access to Books Project said. “It is important for students to read for academic achievement as well as culturing a habit to read for pleasure.”
UNESCO reports that when lower secondary-school-age children are counted in, the number of out-of-school children is doubled, a primary reason being the cost of books. In more than 20 developing countries, illiteracy rates amongst women exceed 70% due to the unavailability of resources.
“In many remote parts of my country, they do not even have proper books for basic education,” Binam Poudel, a UW student from Nepal said. “Students use the same old tattered books that the students before them used. The library only has a limited amount of books that have been sitting there for many years and availability of new books is scarce.”
The town of Laramie has provided its residents with the assets they need to expand their horizons as a reader. Simply reading can be so much more beneficial to students than binge-watching a TV show online. It helps you concentrate better in your studies, relieves mental stress and helps increase your literary knowledge and vocabulary.
“Coming here to this university and seeing the size of the library was truly mind-boggling for me,” Poudel said. “The resources that I have as a student here are definitely an opportunity that I fully intend to use to my benefit.”
So, as a new year’s resolution, literacy expansion could be a beneficial option with the resources that have been provided both at the university and throughout Laramie.
