The Reading Foundation

Independent Bookstores Are Making a Comeback – And Why It Matters for Readers

Bookstore display: colorful magazines on stands and notebooks on wooden shelves beside glass doors.

Independent bookstores are having a moment, and we’re here for it. In cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Los Angeles, independent bookstores are seeing a powerful resurgence. In a world of fast clicks and algorithms, something quieter (and more meaningful) is happening: readers are returning to local bookstores, and communities are showing up for them. […]

How the Crossword Puzzle Was Invented and Why Word Games Are Great for Kids

It’s hard to imagine a Sunday newspaper or a phone screen without a crossword puzzle tucked inside. Crosswords have delighted (and stumped) readers of all ages for over a century. But have you ever wondered where they came from and why word games like these are so beneficial for children’s literacy development? A Brief History […]