By Jaya Tiwari

Navi Mumbai: Rising screen time among children and their growing dependence on digital platforms have become a major concern for parents. Thus, efforts are being made to take conscious steps to revive reading habits at home. Instead of relying only on libraries, families are now trying to make books a regular part of daily routines.

Parents acknowledge that encouraging reading in today’s digital age is challenging. “With studies shifting to platforms like WhatsApp and Teams, books have taken a backseat. So, we now try to set aside specific ‘screen time’ hours at home to encourage reading,” said Babita Baniya, a resident of Nerul.

Parents who grew up reading classics like Chandamama, Amar Chitra Katha, and works of Rabindranath Tagore are now trying to balance traditional reading habits with modern challenges.

Some families are also reviving traditional practices. Anuradha Kanade from Ulwe said, “We grew up reading stories every night with our parents, which built imagination and a love for storytelling. Today, both parents and children are often glued to their phones. Small efforts like reading together daily can help children stay close to books.”

To develop kids’ reading habit, parents are stocking books of their interest areas, namely sports, space, arts, and zoology. “This generation of kids avoids visiting libraries. It is difficult to make them sit for longer hours to read storybooks. However, I try to get books based on their interests, like sports and space, so they love reading.”

Librarian Vandana Gurav noted that daily footfall remains around 40–50, with no major increase. Another librarian added, “If parents make reading a routine at home, children begin to see it as enjoyable rather than forced.”

Experts believe that consistent parental involvement can play a key role in rebuilding a strong reading culture among children.

Tips to inculcate reading habits 

• Start early by introducing picture books and bedtime stories
• Create a daily reading routine, even if it’s just 15–20 minutes
• Limit screen time and set specific “no-gadget” hours
• Let children choose books based on their interests
• Read together to make it a fun bonding activity
• Keep books easily accessible at home
• Visit libraries or bookstores regularly
• Encourage storytelling and discussions about what they read
• Be a role model, let children see you reading
• Praise and motivate them instead of forcing reading

Libraries in Navi Mumbai:

• Town Library: Atmashanti Society, Sector 3, Vashi, Navi Mumbai 400703  (Contact: 9221139881)
• Choose and Pickup Library : S Type Market, Sane Guruji Marg, sector 7, Vashi , Navi Mumbai 400703 (Contact: 9820174211)
• Ideal Study Library: ( for elders) Back to Apollo Pharmacy, office No 204, Sector 20, Nerul (West) Navi Mumbai 400706 (Contact:9845473374)
• Shiravane NMMC Library: Sector 1A, Shriravne, Nerul,  Navi Mumbai 400706
• NMMC Library (Belapur): Vasantdada Patil Marg, Sector 3A, Belapur Navi Mumbai 400614
• NMMC Public Library and Reading room (Sanpada/Turbhe) :298, Turbhe Village, Sector 22, Ramtanu Mata Marg, Sanpada, Navi Mumbai 400703 (Contact:7775037228)
• Krishna Study Library: ( for elders): Sector 5, Kopar Khairane, Navi Mumbai 400709 (Contact: 9702447424)