A Guide to Developing A Reading Culture In The Internet Age

The internet has changed every aspect of the way we live and view the world, and our reading culture has not been spared. The sheer volume of information being created and the speed at which it is being made available has challenged the type of art being created. The aim now caters to shorter and more excitable attention spans.

Yet, the internet has also increased accessibility to art and fostered communities of people with similar interests. It has opened up a market for art to people who would have been otherwise unreachable. This is our guide to growing your reading habit with the help of, and in spite of, social media.

Find a blog or website of interest

A good blog or website to an avid reader is like a daily devotional to a devout Christian. Devout Christians will tell you that different devotionals appeal to different people and purposes. So, choosing the right fit is of utmost importance, and the same goes for choosing a blog or website. Afreada.com and Brittlepaper.com are great resources for short stories from all around Africa, both delivering new content each week. Thenakedconvos.com have garnered a large following hosting a community of youth that discusses opinion on everything from sex and relationships to pop culture and politics. And for more in-depth analysis of social issues, republic.com.ng and stearsng.com would be more ideal fits.

Find an online bookstore

The internet has changed the mode of buying books, but mostly for the better. Konga.com and Jumia.com have an inventory of the most popular books of fiction and nonfiction. For more diverse options, brick and mortar bookstores such as Laterna and Patabah have a strong online presence via websites and social media pages where books could be ordered for delivery. You also have the option of getting your books from okadabooks.com.

Bookshelf. Photo credit: Instagram/Mostlylitpod.

Join an online book club

The network effect of social media that has increased the connectivity of people has also grown the book club culture in Nigeria. The model is simple. Find people with similar interests on social media, choose a new title to read every week or month and plan to meet over social media or in real life to discuss. The Abuja Literary Society and the Barely Literate Bookclub in Lagos and The Read Club which have branches in multiple cities are examples of existing book clubs if you would rather not go through the grit work of starting your own.

Get a Kindle reader

For readers whose living spaces or lifestyles do not have enough provision for physical books, a Kindle reader is a one stop solution where you could store and read soft copies of your favourite books on any of your favourite devices.