American Reading Habits

I found an article on CNN.com about reading — “Where you fall in poll of U.S. reading habits.”

One highlight from the story is:

“One in four Americans read no books last year.”

No books.

Zero.

Zilch.

Nada.

Makes me wonder how books stores stay in business? Do people buy books, but not read them?

The article does point out that women are some of the most avid readers.

“Of those who did read, women and seniors were most avid.”

When I talk to people about books, it seems that many don’t really read that much. Who has time? People are too busy — kids, work, house work, school, meals, home work, sports … there is little time for leisure.

Reading also competes with activities such as TV and movies. Personally, I love all three: TV, movies and books. Maybe it’s storytelling that I love.

I’m always reading a book, always. I don’t consider myself a fast reader and complete only an average of 12-15 books a year, but I read more than most people I know (although I know several who read several books per month!). And, each year there are books that I start, but don’t finish … which far outweighs the number of books I complete. I need to be engaged with the book to complete it. When I was younger, I would read the book in its entirety, no matter what. Now that I’m older, I’ve given myself permission to stop reading a book if I’m just not into it.

What’s most important about this reading poll, is what’s not mentioned – the importance of getting kids to read. We need to read to our children every day to instill a good reading habit. Here’s a brochure with tips on getting kids to read, from the American Library Association — How to Raise a Reader

Here are a few of my favorite tips from the brochure:

Raising a Reader:

• Begin when your child is born and spend time reading every day.
• Visit the library.
• Choose books with colorful pictures and simple words—or no words at all.
• Read with expression— or just tell the story in your own words.
• Hold the book so your child can see the pictures clearly.
• Let your baby play with the book.
• Encourage your toddler to point out objects, repeat words, and talk about the story.
• Reread your child’s favorite books over and over again.
• Ask the child open-ended questions about the story: “What do you think will happen next?”
• Encourage older children to read to their younger brothers and sisters.
• Be an example to your children; let them see you read books too.