By Amber Reumont
Supporting books and local bookstores fosters the growth of literacy, local businesses, and relationships. Beth Panageotou of MyCity4Her has embarked upon an endeavor to open a cozy, independent bookstore of her own: GreenRow Books. The goal of GreenRow Books is to create an intimate environment to encourage new friendships rooted in a love of books. Reading is immensely important for people of all ages because it creates concrete connections and stimulates education.
Developing reading at a young age can forge a child’s continuous thirst for knowledge, and it allows for the growth of innovative thinkers. Future success often hinges on literacy; it also improves physical, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing of individuals and society. Children with proficient reading comprehension are more likely to perform well throughout grade school, and they experience increased success in college and their careers. Meanwhile, Jessica Aptman of Good Magazine points out, “Up to 80 percent of incarcerated individuals are functionally illiterate… school performance, more than any other single factor, is a major contributor as to whether a youth becomes involved in drugs or violence.” Reading to a child imbibes them with necessary intellectual skills while also establishing a loving and trusting relationship. A society that focuses on the importance of reading is a safer and more empathetic society.
Fostering not only literacy skills but also a true love for reading books is important to families and society in our increasingly digital world. Relationships can develop from a shared love of reading, for parents can establish a time for bonding over books, free from the distractions of cell phones and computers. Parents can exhibit the value of literacy by devoting time to reading for their own pleasure while turning off their electronics. Children can learn to value reading through story-time with their parents. Encouraging a love of books at a young age can lead to positive, honest relationships between parents and children as they grow older. Although parents and children often grow apart as they age, parents can continue to learn about their children’s interests and worldview through the books they read and share with one another.
Reading books opens the door to many opportunities because it is essential to learning; in particular, it is necessary to gaining new perspectives. Books allow us to be transported to a different realm, and they open our minds to a wealth of experiences that greatly differ from our own. Author Neil Gaiman expounds upon reading and empathy: “Once you’ve visited other worlds…you can never be entirely content with the world that you grew up in. Discontent is a good thing: discontented people can modify and improve their worlds, leave them better, leave them different.” Books enable us to learn about the mechanics of literacy such as vocabulary and grammar, and they provide us with the tools to critique our environment and ourselves. They encourage us to open our minds and our hearts to others.
GreenRow Books is a place that locals can visit to gain insight into the different worlds that reading makes available. Local bookstores are also a tool that families can use to establish relationships with each other while also supporting local innovators. Supporting local businesses like GreenRow Books encourages children to read and strive for success. GreenRow Books aspires to create an inviting space where book-lovers can bond with one another and gain access to the abundance of knowledge that can be earned through reading.
In her own words, Beth describes what inspired her to open GreenRow Books: “In the age of digital, it is important not only to preserve but foster the concept of ‘community.’ I find this to be especially true as a mom. I place great value in being part of an environment where my daughters can absorb local culture, art, nature, and learning. I wanted a way to support the local businesses in the area and contribute to the thriving downtown of Ellicott City and I think GreenRow Books will do that. A bookstore gives people a place to go to discuss, read, discover, and learn face-to-face and screen free. It’s my hope that GreenRow Books becomes a refuge, a communal space, where the sense of community thrives!”
Support a local businesswoman by checking out and donating to the GreenRow Books fundraising campaign on IndieGoGo, and be sure to visit the store when it opens!