“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. It’s a gentle reminder of something we often overlook — the quiet magic of reading.

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) can answer our questions in seconds, suggest books we might love, and even summarize long articles in a blink, reading might seem like an old habit. But here’s the beautiful irony—AI itself thrives on reading. Every intelligent response it gives comes from learning through millions of written words, just like we humans do.

So if machines can grow smarter 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. Modern libraries now host digital archives, e-resources, and AI-powered catalogues that make searching for information faster and easier than ever. Some libraries now use AI tools to suggest books that match a reader’s interests or to help them explore new topics. At the St. Joseph Vaz College Library, we have taken this innovation a step further by developing our own library chatbot — a friendly virtual assistant that helps users access all library services from the comfort of their own space.

Yet, amidst all this digital brilliance, the true magic still lies in the simple act of opening a book. Reading — even for just ten minutes a day — can do wonders far beyond what we imagine. It sharpens our thinking, enriches our vocabulary, sparks creativity, and nurtures emotional well-being.

We often scroll through shorts or quick videos to pick up new facts or ideas — and yes, they do give us instant information. But books go a step deeper. What a short clip gives in seconds, a book gives with depth, feeling, and understanding. Reading builds concentration, strengthens memory, and allows ideas to settle and grow inside us — something no 60-second video can truly replace.

It also teaches patience in a world that rushes, offers calm in moments of chaos, and reminds us to pause and reflect. Books have a quiet power — they comfort us when we feel low, inspire us when we are lost, and make us wiser with every page we turn. So, the next time you spend ten minutes watching a short video, try spending those same minutes reading a page instead — you’ll be surprised how much more it gives back.

A few pages read today might become the solution to a problem tomorrow. A paragraph might inspire an idea. A story might help us empathize with someone’s journey. Always remember, no reading ever goes to waste—it always finds its way back to help us, someday, somehow.

As we celebrate National Reading Week, try finding out the local libraries available nearby and make a habit of reading you will surely notice a positive difference in your thoughts, focus, and outlook. Pass on this message to your loved ones who may not yet realize the immense benefits that come from reading, even a little each day.

Because when we read, we don’t just collect information we connect with humanity, one page at a time. And in that quiet connection, every library whether traditional or AI-enhanced continues to light the way for generations to come.

-Manali Acharya
College Librarian
St.Joseph Vaz College ,Cortalim-Goa