In Support of Reading: Reading Outreach Programs at Academic Libraries

Abstract

Encouraging pleasure reading is not traditionally seen as the role of academic libraries. Those students who take time for reading, however, are better poised to succeed in college. Declining rates in reading among young people are cause for alarm, and many libraries at academic institutions are developing programs to promote this pastime. This article will examine statistics on the state of reading in America, outline two reading outreach initiatives that New Mexico State University has engaged in, and suggest strategies for effectively reaching out to the community to encourage reading.