Sir: In our times, hectic lifestyles have put the reading habit into oblivion. Even in our conversations, we rarely talk about reading and writing. The fault lies with elders failing their primary duty of generating interest in their younger ones who need to be enticed to reading activities. The low literacy rate and economic plight of families no doubt are factors that diminish the reading habit, though its importance cannot be denied. Reading instills many quality characteristics among readers such as broadening of one’s mental horizon, tolerance, respect for others’ rights. Reading is not confined only to books written in English, but reading a book written in any language is welcome. Until the recent past, there was a functioning mini-library almost in every locality and children used to borrow storybooks on their meagre pocket money. Today, as there is an influx of electronic games, there is a need for installing reading material in these gadgets. In educational institutions at primary and secondary levels, one library period should be allocated at least once a week. Quiz competitions, debates and tutorial periods, if held regularly in schools and colleges, can promote the habit of reading. Book reading provides pleasure; in loneliness, it is a good companion. Newspapers are doing outstanding work by bringing out morning/evening newspapers and magazines, which reinforce the habit of reading. SARAH HAIDER Lahore