Reading is good for your health – and starting early boosts cognition, memory and emotional regulation for life

Reading is an activity that can boost brain function, encourage creativity and improve the wellbeing of book fans of all ages, and Ireland Reads Day aims to highlight those benefits

Children's imaginations and creativity are encouraged through reading. Photo: Getty Images

Niamh Jiménez

‘If I had to choose between never writing or never reading again, I think I’d probably choose never writing, because I just couldn’t live without books,” says Sarah Webb, award-winning Irish children’s writer and reviewer.

Though Webb seems to relish any excuse to talk about books, our conversation is fuelled by the anticipation of Ireland Reads Day — a national day of reading due to take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024.