A book expert is encouraging people to make reading a daily habit.
Mike Lane, CEO and founder of WeBuyBooks, believes that reading every day can help us reclaim our imagination and improve our ability to switch off in our increasingly busy, screen-dominated lives.
Here, Mike shares his advice on how to make reading a more enjoyable and sustainable part of daily life.
Why is reading so important for literacy?
"Reading and literacy go hand-in-hand. It helps us build the skills we need to understand the world around us and communicate effectively.
"But literacy isn’t something we solely develop in the classroom. It’s a part of our everyday lives that we’re constantly evolving, often without even knowing it.
"Making time to read regularly helps keep those skills sharp.
"The more we read, the more we understand and engage with the world around us."
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How can we make more time for reading?
"Reading doesn’t have to mean setting aside an hour every evening.
"If you’re struggling to find the time, you should start small and make use of the moments you already have spare.
"A few pages before bed or picking up a book for ten minutes on your public transport ride to work might seem small, but can make a massive difference to your reading habits.
"It’s also worth choosing books that genuinely interest you.
"Consider choosing a book related to that hobby you’ve always wanted to try, or a fictional story that really resonates with you.
"Reading shouldn’t feel like something to tick off on your to-do list.
"The more we take the pressure off, the easier it becomes to enjoy it."
What are some simple ways to encourage more reading at home?
“One of the simplest things you can do is make books more visible and accessible in the spaces you’re in regularly. Instead of keeping them all on one bookshelf, have a few dotted around where they’re easy to pick up.
“As for children, they’re naturally drawn to colourful, inviting covers in the same way adults are in a bookshop. Displaying books with the front covers facing forwards is a great way to encourage them to have a look.”
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Does reading have to mean sitting down with a book?
“Reading can be part of everyday life without always throwing yourself into a novel. Following a recipe or getting stuck into an article about something you’re interested in can all make an impact.
“For children, you can make this part of things they’re already doing, such as reading a shopping list together or following instructions for a game.
“The important thing is to keep reading enjoyable and accessible. It doesn’t have to be a formal activity or something you have to set aside lots of time for.
“Sometimes the easiest way to read more is simply to make books part of the things you already enjoy doing.”
This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.
Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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