Abstract
The paper discussed reading, importance of reading, reading habit, benefit of good reading
habit, causes of poor reading habit. The study took its bearing on public library services to
improve reading habits in communities for sustainable development in Nigeria. Data for this
study was collated by extensive literature review. Advantage of effective reading habit for
sustainable community development were highlighted which include; empowering individuals,
access to information, personal development, civic engagement, social inclusion, and economic
growth which when attained will help to sustain development in communities and society at
large. The paper identifies some strategies public library should use to improve reading habit
among rural community members for sustainable development which include: readership
promotion campaigns, establishment of reading clubs, providing enabling environments,
equipped with current resources and modern technologies among others for extensive and varied
information. The paper recommends that, all stakeholders; including government, public
libraries, professional associations, NGO's among others should encourage the citizens to
develop good reading habits to advance both as individuals and society at large for sustainable
development in Nigeria. The paper concludes that, reading is a very essential skill that every
citizen must imbibe for efficient and effective functionality in life.
Keywords: Reading, Public Library, Reading habit and sustainable community development.
Publication Date: 2025-05-01