THE ability to read develops the minds of children and improves their communication skills.
Speaking at the launch of the National Library Week in Nausori yesterday, director Library Services, Merewalesi Vueti, said a person was limited in what they could accomplish without good reading and comprehension skills.
And yesterday she sent out a message to encourage young children to read.
"Understanding the written word is one way the mind grows in its ability," she said.
"Teaching young children to read helps them develop their language skills.
"It also helps them learn to listen.
"Lack of listening skills can result in major misunderstanding which can lead to job loss, marriage breakup and other disasters small and great."
Ms Vueti said the National Library Week celebration had adopted a roadshow concept.
The theme for this year is Reading Unlocks the Future.
Ms Vueti said poor readers often held low opinions of themselves and their abilities.
"Illiterate people are easier to control and manipulate," she said. "They cannot do their own research and thinking. They must rely on what they are told and how their emotions are swayed."