National Reading Day 2026: Prompting the Mind: Reading in the Age of AI – Rediscovering the Joy of Reading

 

"Artificial Intelligence can answer our questions, but only reading can shape the way we think." This powerful message echoed throughout the National Reading Day webinar, "Prompting the Mind: Reading in the Age of AI," organized by the Learning and Information Resource Centre (LIRC), St. Francis Institute of Technology (SFIT) on 19 June 2026.

The session was led by Dr. Sonali Karekar, Librarian at MKES Nagindas Khandwala College (Empowered Autonomous), who shared a refreshing perspective on how libraries can nurture reading habits in today's AI-driven world. Rather than debating whether AI will replace books, she encouraged participants to explore how libraries can make reading more engaging, collaborative, and meaningful.

What made the session particularly inspiring was its focus on simple yet impactful activities that any academic library can implement to transform readers into active participants.

Growing a Tree of Knowledge

Imagine walking into a library and seeing a tree that grows—not with water, but with ideas.

One of the most memorable activities shared by Dr. Karekar was the "Grow a Tree of Knowledge" initiative. Every student who completes a book writes a favourite quote, a lesson learned, or a key takeaway on a paper leaf. These leaves are then added to a large tree displayed in the library.

Over time, the tree blossoms into a vibrant representation of the institution's collective reading journey. More importantly, it inspires others to pick up a book and contribute their own leaf of knowledge.

Bringing Books into the Spotlight

Libraries often have incredible collections that remain unnoticed simply because students don't know they exist.

Dr. Karekar highlighted the importance of organizing thematic Book Exhibitions that connect books with current events, academic subjects, careers, literature, innovation, and social issues. A thoughtfully curated display not only attracts attention but also encourages readers to discover titles they may never have searched for.

A well-designed exhibition can turn a casual visitor into an enthusiastic reader.

Can You Remember the Story?

Reading doesn't end when we close a book.

Through an activity called "Cover to Memory," participants are shown only the cover of a previously read book and invited to recall its story, memorable characters, important lessons, and favourite moments.

This simple exercise strengthens comprehension and memory while encouraging discussions among readers. It reminds us that books leave lasting impressions long after we finish reading them.

Turning Book Reviews into Creative Expressions

Traditional book reviews can sometimes feel like assignments. Dr. Karekar proposed making them far more engaging through a Photographic Book Review Competition.

Students creatively photograph themselves with a book and accompany the image with a brief review or recommendation. The result is a wonderful blend of photography, storytelling, creativity, and reading promotion.

Such reviews are perfect for showcasing on library notice boards, websites, and social media platforms, allowing students to inspire one another through their reading experiences.

Celebrating Literature in Our Mother Tongue

Reading is not confined to textbooks or English-language literature.

To celebrate linguistic heritage, Dr. Karekar introduced the idea of Marathi Kavita Waachan, where students recite and discuss poems by renowned Marathi poets.

The activity promotes appreciation of regional literature while building confidence, expression, and public speaking skills. It also reminds us that every language carries its own literary richness and cultural identity.

Building a Digital Reading Community with Padlet

In today's connected world, discussions about books need not remain within library walls.

Dr. Karekar demonstrated how Padlet can become a collaborative online reading space where students post book reviews, favourite quotations, recommendations, reflections, and reading suggestions.

Instead of reading becoming a solitary activity, Padlet transforms it into an interactive conversation where students discover new books through peer recommendations and engage in meaningful literary discussions.

Meeting the Minds Behind the Books

Few experiences are as inspiring as listening to an author speak about the journey behind a book.

The session highlighted the value of organizing Author Talks, where writers interact directly with readers, sharing their creative process, research experiences, challenges, and inspirations.

Such interactions encourage students to look beyond the printed pages and appreciate the thought, dedication, and imagination that shape every book.

Libraries: More Than Just Bookshelves

One of the strongest messages from the session was that libraries today are not merely places to borrow books—they are spaces where curiosity is cultivated, creativity is celebrated, and lifelong learning begins.

The activities shared by Dr. Sonali Karekar demonstrated that promoting reading does not always require sophisticated technology or large budgets. Sometimes, a simple idea, thoughtful planning, and enthusiastic participation are enough to create a vibrant reading culture.

In an age where Artificial Intelligence delivers instant answers, the enduring value of reading lies in its ability to help us think critically, reflect deeply, imagine freely, and understand the world from multiple perspectives.

As librarians and educators, our role is not just to provide access to information but to create experiences that make students fall in love with reading.

At SFIT LIRC, we remain committed to fostering such experiences and look forward to implementing many of these inspiring initiatives in the coming academic year.

Because while AI can generate information in seconds, a reader builds wisdom one page at a time.