I love to read.
That is a shared interest with many of my friends and former co-workers.
Reading is a popular pastime and brings so much pleasure to individuals who are unable to regularly get out and about for interactive visits or have special needs that keep them at home.
Books, newspapers, magazines, journals, and faith-based writings, have been invaluable during the COVID crisis.
Being able to read allows us to understand so much about the many aspects of life -- health, finances, relationships with adults and children, education, public safety, law enforcement, community needs, governmental operations, sports and entertainment, and the people and places far beyond our borders and shores.
Understanding all of those words on a printed page, on a street marker, on a directional highway sign, on an office door, or on a form requesting confidential and personal information, keeps us headed in the right direction.
Knowing how to follow the steps of preparing certain foods for one's family is critical, especially when any kind of heating element is involved.
Just as vital, too, is knowing how to measure out just the right dosage of liquid or tablet medicine for a youngster or sibling, spouse, and parent who is ill and could get worse if mistakes are made.
Being able to read enhances our ability to communicate.
And communicating easily with others allows us to have confidence in who we are, where we want to go, and what we want to do.
Reading assurance helps us help those who are struggling with their language skills and their own worries about how to cope with any number of daily challenges.
Lest we forget, the ability to read and comprehend is tied directly to economic self-sufficiency.
Due to the ongoing efforts of the Arkansas Community Foundation and my association with the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation, I know that illiteracy remains a major concern for our state. According to the 2016-2017 data in the ACT Aspire assessment, "Only 37 percent of Arkansas third-graders read proficiently."
Some progress has been made, but the COVID pandemic has taken a toll on in-school learning and reading programs.
Still, the work goes on in communities such as Hot Springs where businesses, nonprofits, school districts, teachers, and dedicated volunteers find ways to engage families in reading more for the good of all concerned.
Yes, reading is enjoyable, but more importantly, reading is a necessity.