Book Clubs: Filipino's Hope for a Bookish Revival?

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:16:00 +0000

Fewer Filipinos are reading these days. Not even half of the population are book readers, with only 42% of adult readers as of 2023. In terms of reading comprehension, we ranked the lowest out of 79 countries in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Things improved a little bit in 2022, but we remain in bottom 10.

What can be done? Gillian Reyes, author and registered librarian, believes that book clubs could be the possible solution. According to Reyes, while it is true that there have been shortcomings in the Philippine education system, a different approach can boost our score in reading comprehension. From his unique vantage point as a librarian, he has developed insights into these areas. His suggestion - try book clubs.

✴ WHAT ARE BOOK CLUBS?

"Book clubs, simply put, are groups that discuss and dissect a piece of literature. It aims to bring about conversations from a selected texts and even point out some factors or theories amongst the said group. It also fosters a sense of belonging due to the shared experience that a story can bring. It can even branch out in writing fan fiction and stimulates the imagination."

✴ WHY BOOK CLUBS?

"With a book club, a reader, especially a burgeoning one, may delight in the fact that one is not alone in reading; that there is a bigger community that shares the interest. Unlike arduous book reports in school, the free expression of an idea or theory in the book, especially in a verbal discussion, can lead to a successful conversing of questions. The first step in improving the scores in reading comprehension begins with fostering a love for reading. My love for reading wasn’t entirely fostered at school – it even at times hindered it – but rather began in the home. My father would read to me every night and sometimes we would discuss the text that was read."

✴ WHERE CAN WE BUILD A BOOK CLUB?

"Book clubs should start in schools and local public libraries. This is where the youth, and even older readers, can find themselves in a safe and convenient space to read and discuss. Teachers and librarians should also be open to the interplay of ideas and help individuals foster a deeper understanding in books and literature."

Gillian Reyes is a registered librarian who works at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He often writes stories for children, and hopes to build a library for kids someday.

Are there book clubs in the Philippines? Yes.

Take Book Chickas PH, for example. This group of Bisaya readers just recently celebrated their first anniversary and they get together for regular buddy reads where they discuss books they've all finished. It's a cool way to share their love of reading, build a community of readers, and possibly create a ripple effect in their local spaces.

If you're interested to know more about building your own tribe of readers, Book Chickas PH has some insights to share. Click here.

Illustration by Harriet Lee-Merrion, an award winning illustrator based in Bristol, in the South West of England.

A Colorful Upgrade this 2024! 🌈

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 09:10:00 +0000

After years of single-color text designs, we're so excited to show you our multi-color illustrated merch! 💛💜💚 All in good time, indeed. New things are here.

We look back to the previous collections we have shared and enjoyed together, and although they are totally unique from each other, they seem to be tied together!

From the childlike wonder of Read, Curious Kid to the excitement of exploring strange paper worlds and unlocking secret messages of the IDK What’s Going On Book Club.

We continued with the quiet courage to move forward through Armed With a Mind. Although none of us are truly ready for anything, we believe we are always being prepared for a future something.

And as we went on, we saw a new spark, a little fire. As if we’re being called to create, to leave evidence of our existence by creating our own Paper Trails. To fill ourselves with wonder, and then to empty ourselves by pouring us out into the world.

This year, we continue our odyssey. This time with brand new colors. 🎨 An odyssey is a long and adventurous experience! All these years of preparation, where will our feet lead us? ✨That spark to create was needed before we left 2023. We want to lean in to that. Our hope for 2024 is that we explore uncharted territories, to step our feet into spaces that bring joy, new revelation, and a new authority. What's that place for you? 💭 Is it the library, your favorite neighborhood café, or a local museum? Or is it simply your reading nook at home? Perhaps it's a place you haven't gone before. May you find the grace to set your feet to go.

📌 Click here to learn more about Bookworm's Odyssey

Wear Your Books PH - Updates

Book Clubs: Filipino's Hope for a Bookish Revival?

A Colorful Upgrade this 2024! 🌈