by Manali Acharya
“Every time a reader walks in, a library grows a little wiser — because knowledge lives not just on shelves, but in the people who seek it.”
Every year, from 14th to 20th November, we celebrate National Reading Week — a reminder of something we often overlook: the quiet magic of reading.
In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) answers our questions in seconds and offers instant summaries, reading might seem old-fashioned. Yet the irony is that AI itself learns through reading millions of words that make it smarter.
So, if machines can grow through reading, why shouldn’t we?
Today’s libraries are no longer silent, dusty rooms filled with old books. They are living knowledge hubs, blending tradition with technology. From digital archives, e-resources to AI-powered catalogues, information is easier to access than ever. At the St. Joseph Vaz College Library, we have gone a step further by creating our own library chatbot (https://livenewsgoa.com/st-joseph-vaz-college-launches-library-chatbot-as-part-of-national-reading-month/) helping users explore library services from the comfort of their space.
Still, amidst all this digital brilliance, the true magic still lies in the simple act of opening a book. Reading even for ten minutes a day — sharpens the mind, enriches vocabulary, sparks creativity, and nurtures emotional calm.
Shorts can inform you but always remember that books can transform you. Quick videos may give us instant facts, but reading gives us depth, reflection, and understanding.
A few pages a day can open new perspectives, teach patience, and fill our minds with peace in a hurried world. So this Reading Week, find your nearest library, pick up a book, and pass on the joy of reading to someone you love. Because when we read, we don’t just gain information — we grow wiser, more human, and more connected to the world around us.
(The writer is a College Librarian
St.Joseph Vaz College ,Cortalim-Goa)
