Reading really develops your brain! Reading together with your child brings closeness, and supports both emotional development and vocabulary acquisition. It also fosters forming skills that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. That is why we are thrilled to be joining this year’s edition of the Polish nationwide #ReadingDad (#TataTeżCzyta) campaign organised by Universal Reading Foundation (Fundacja Powszechnego Czytania).
The slogan for this year’s edition is “Reading develops the brain!” Research shows that up to 85% of brain volume is formed by the age of 3, and reading together with a child, accompanied by interaction, stimulates language development, memory, imagination and social skills.
The #ReadingDad campaign encourages men – not only dads, but granddads, uncles, elder brothers, teachers, and coaches too – to actively engage in reading with children. This is especially important, because – according to the annual survey by the National Library of Poland that has tracked reading habits – 47% of women and only 34% of men read books. The campaign’s organizers emphasize that building a reading culture and strengthening reading habits among children require the involvement of both parents. Research also indicates that children develop reading habits not only by having contact with books, but also through observing the everyday attitude of grown-ups towards reading. Because of this, it is crucial for children to have a male figure in their lives for whom reading is natural and part of their routine. Seeing a dad, granddad or older brother with a book makes the act of reading look meaningful and turns it into something important for the child.
The #ReadingDad also gives an opportunity to talk about men as readers. We should discuss the need to pick up a book not only for the sake of the children, but for personal growth, reflection and cultural engagement as well. Reading books on a regular basis enhances language and communication skills, expands worldview, strengthens attention span and encourages deeper reflection and analysis. In a world flooded with instant messaging and short-form content, books still serve as one of the key tools for stimulating imagination, and improving social skills. Reading is a form of development that does not belong to any specific age or gender.
Across Poland, the campaign features events promoting shared reading with the participation of many cities, libraries, schools, companies, and cultural institutions. We want to be a part of this change too, and contribute to building a reading culture which starts with a couple of simple daily habits, such as reading a few pages, having bedtime talks, or visiting a library.
As the European Capital of Culture 2029, we wish to encourage residents to spend time with books together, and show that reading can simply become a part of a daily routine, no matter the age or interests. Brochures, posters, bookmarks, and other materials promoting the #ReadingDad campaign will be distributed across the city; libraries, bookshops, schools, preschools and sports institutions are joining in the activities. Local athletes will engage in the campaign as well, and try to prove that reading and sports are a perfect match. One of our priorities is also promoting the idea of bookcrossing, which involves encouraging local residents to share books and to work together to build an open, reading community in this way.
Come, join the #ReadingDad campaign!
If you would like to take part in the campaign and engage your workplace in #ReadingDad, all information about the initiative and the materials available for use can be found on the website: tatatezczyta.pl
(for the English version of the materials click here: https://www.tatatezczyta.pl/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/TTCz25-srodekcover-ENG_b_l-2.pdf)
Translated by: Zofia Świerszcz
Corrected by: Gabriela Niewadzi
