The monarch emphasized the pressing need to promote reading, citing a significant decline in reading rates. Camilla, the founder of The Reading Room book club charity, initiated the endeavor during the lockdown period, which has now expanded to engage 186,000 book enthusiasts across 180 nations on its fifth anniversary.
Amidst a global decrease in reading rates, the 78-year-old royal highlighted the essential role of her charity in fostering a reading culture. Shockingly, only half of UK adults read a book annually, with 46% finding it challenging to finish one due to distractions.
The motto for The Queen’s Reading Room in its milestone year is “Make Room for Reading”, encouraging individuals to incorporate five minutes of reading daily, akin to achieving 10,000 steps or consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables. Research indicates that a mere five minutes of fiction reading can reduce stress by almost 20%, enhance focus by up to 11%, and alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Reflecting on the journey, Camilla expressed pride in the charity’s growth and impact on millions worldwide. She emphasized the transformative power of reading in shaping perceptions, thoughts, and connections, particularly vital at a time when global reading rates are at an all-time low.
The book initiative, which began with Camilla sharing her favorite reads during the initial lockdown in 2020, evolved into The Queen’s Reading Room charity, featuring book recommendations and author interviews on Instagram. Over the past five years, the Queen has recommended 76 books, with contributions from other royals and authors.
The charity’s efforts extend beyond recommendations, including book donations to various communities and support for reading groups in shelters. The Reading Room’s CEO commended Camilla’s dedication to selecting books personally, underscoring her unmatched passion for literature.
Acknowledging the critical situation of declining reading levels, particularly among children, the charity emphasized the importance of addressing this issue. Current statistics reveal a concerning decrease in reading enjoyment among young individuals, prompting a call to action to reverse this trend and promote a love for reading.
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