From mid-20th century on, we have witnessed numerous changes in the society that are now happening faster and more intense than ever. Education is one of the pillars on which every community rests upon, and knowledge has become the most important social resource. Continuity, quality, and variety of content help shape an individual who is prepared to face daily challenges society confronts them with, and is willing to commit to lifelong learning. Acquiring knowledge and skills does not (and should not) end with the end of (formal) education. Formal education is just the first step, it only lays the groundwork for non-formal forms of education and lifelong learning. Learning how to read, write, and compute is implemented in elementary school, by means of which formal education provides for the high literacy rates in society. This paper examines the importance of developing reading skills and reading literacy as the bases of participation in non-formal forms of education and lifelong learning. Reading makes learning in the broadest sense possible, and without reading literacy, critical thinking, and comprehension there is no development of other forms of literacy and skills. International research (PISA and PIRLS) shows Croatian students to be below average in reading literacy, as well as in logical thinking and problem-solving. This is why the development of reading literacy and projects that encourage reading on a national, local, and school level is of the utmost importance for the development of individuals' competence and their mature and responsible participation in the social life of their community.