The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, in collaboration with the School Library Services, has officially launched Reading Month 2025, a national celebration of literacy, imagination, and the lifelong joy of reading.

Observed annually in October, Reading Month serves as a reminder of the power of books to transform lives and shape a more informed and creative society. This year’s theme, “Unlock Your Possibilities: Read, Imagine, Grow,” challenges students, teachers, parents, and the wider community to embrace reading as a tool for personal and academic growth.

Throughout the month, schools and libraries across the nation will host a series of interactive activities designed to spark enthusiasm for reading. These include storytelling sessions, reading competitions, author visits, book fairs, and community outreach events that bring together readers of all ages.

Education Officer for School Library Services, Karen Browne-Francis, said the observance highlights the essential link between literacy and empowerment.

“Reading opens the door to endless opportunities,” she explained. “Every book allows us to discover new ideas, explore unfamiliar worlds, and develop the confidence to imagine and create a better future.”

Education Officer for School Library Services, Karen Browne-Francis (screenshot of state media)

Browne-Francis added that fostering a reading culture is not only about improving academic performance but also about nurturing empathy, creativity, and critical thinking among young people.

The Ministry is encouraging students, parents, and community members to take part by reading daily, visiting their local libraries, and sharing stories with friends and family.

“When we read, we grow,” Browne-Francis said. “This month is about celebrating that journey one page, one story, one reader at a time.”

Reading Month 2025 promises to be a dynamic celebration of literature and learning, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to building a nation of readers in Antigua and Barbuda.