Treasure your books

As a young child, I was told by my father that books are treasures and that I should take very good care of them. He was also a great motivator in encouraging me to read. My parents bought us a lot of books. Our home was (still is) filled with many rows and rows of books. My father supported my reading habit. If I requested for books, he would immediately purchase them.

When I was in primary school, Enid Blyton was plenty. Then other books such as sweet valley, baby sitters club, Mary Kate and Ashley entered my literary diet. As a preteen, my reading materials became more diverse. Love novels, fantasy, poetry and other genres filled my home. By the time I was a teen, my reading habit was at its peak. Ironically, my parents found it disturbing because I would read in the dark during bed time. I was that 'hardcore' that my parents had to resort to confiscating my books to prevent me from reading in the dark and to ensure that I have a good quality of sleep. I used to get angry at my parents for doing that. It is quite funny when I think about it now.

My reading habit has decreased a little over the years as I learn to balance reading with other aspects of life. I still do have a strong interest in books and I can spend hours browsing in a book store. However, one habit still remains strong; collecting books. I believe this habit (turned hobby) was inculcated by the words and teachings of my father. When I read a book, I make a connection with it and I would take great care of it. I guess my father's words also played a substantial part in sustaining my reading interest. With reading interest, good reading values towards books should be cultivated too. 

With the latest technology widely available, the young generation may not have the opportunity to build, cultivate and sustain the right values towards books. Hence, I urge educators and parents to provide children with opportunities to make connections with books and teach them the right values towards books too. It is as simple as telling children that books are treasures. After all, Singapore aims to be a nation of readers. Let's play out part towards achieving this goal.     

Books are treasures. Take good care of them. - Papa