Billy Moon

"If You Don't Read Books" (video)

BY Sarah MurphyPublished Sep 8, 2015

Hamilton-based bibliophiles Billy Moon are marking International Literacy Day (September 8) with a brand new pro-book video, and Exclaim! has got your first look at it.
 
The band are doing their part to help raise awareness about reading comprehension in their new clip for "If You Don't Read Books," which features variations of the tune's lyrics on cue cards to accompany to the jazzy, bounce-along ode to bookworms. The short, tongue-in-cheek tune itself was recorded with Young Rival's Aron D'Alesio.
 
As pointed out in the clip's description [via literacy.ca], 42 percent of Canadians between 16 and 65 had low literacy skills in 2005, with 2010 data predicting that number would increase by 25 percent over the next 20 years. The video's full description reads:
 
Happy International Literacy Day!
 
According to literacy.ca, in 2005, 42% of Canadians between 16 and 65 had "low literacy" skills. Meaning they can read, but their level of understanding only allows them to carry out very simple tasks.
 
Funding literacy programs helps people who don't have proper skills to get jobs. Helping those who need it most will ultimately create economic growth.
 
In 2010, the Canadian Council on Learning predicted that in the next 20 years, the number of low literacy adults would increase by 25%. The Harper Government responded by quietly killing off Canada's Literacy and Essential Skills Network in 2014 to focus on smaller, job-focused programs. As for an approach that would benefit all Canadians, it's considered wasteful. If you want to learn to read, you better figure it out yourself.
 
This is another example of how the Harper Government doesn't want to spend money on those who need it the most.
 
Or maybe I'm an idiot and we don't need adult literacy research and programs anymore.
 
Billy Moon currently have some upcoming shows alongside Born Ruffians, Pkew Pkew Pkew and Nada Surf, and you can check their Facebook page for details. Watch the video for "If You Don't Read Books" below.
 

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