Libraries, literacy and the health of the nation

Baroness Gail Rebuck is the the chair of publishing giant Penguin Random House as well as an advocate for literacy charities.

She has called on the UK government to recognise how reading and libraries contribute to the welfare of the nation.  In particular, libraries contribute to the health of the nation.  Research suggests that libraries save the NHS £27.5m per year.  There is also evidence to suggest that reading can reduce the risk of dementia and depression.

Rebuck also called for the government to improve funding to literacy charities. One in every six people in the UK is living with poor literacy.

Source: The Bookseller.