Lettura vs leggendo

Is there a rule about when to use "lettura" vs "leggendo" for reading. Is there any difference between them in their italian translation? Thanks!

Ciao Mspringer, "reading" in Italian can be translated in different ways. "La lettura" is a noun. It's mainly use when you speak about the act or activity of one that reads. Example : La lettura di un libro (The reading of a book) You can also find it in some words as "la sala di lettura" (reading room) and "gli occhiali da lettura" (reading glasses). "Leggendo" is the gerund of the verb "leggere" (to read). In Italian it's used as much as in English. It can be used to describe things which are happening in a precise moment or describe something that were going on in a certain moment in the past. Example : Parlando con Maria, ho scoperto che ha una sorella. Speaking to Maria, I've discovered that she has got a sister. I hope this helps! :)