The Maltese Bookworm: A Year in the Life of a Local Reader

Imagine this: you’re strolling down Republic Street on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The sun is out, the scent of fresh pastizzi wafts through the air, and suddenly, you spot a familiar face. It’s your neighbour, Mr. Abela, not out for a passeggiata, but clutching a brand new book. You do a double-take. You’ve seen him with a fishing rod, a football, even a plate of ftira, but never with a book. Yet there he is, turning the pages with a smile, lost in a world beyond Malta’s shores.

It turns out, Mr. Abela is not an anomaly. A new study by the National Book Council has revealed that the average Maltese buys three books a year. That’s right, we’re not just sun-loving, seafood-eating, festa-going islanders; we’re also a nation of readers.

From Comics to Cookbooks: The Maltese Palette

The study paints a fascinating picture of the local reading habits. Topping the list are comics and graphic novels, with Malta’s love for superheroes and manga showing no signs of waning. But it’s not all capes and crime-fighting. Cookbooks, biographies, and history books also feature high on the list, reflecting our culinary curiosity and thirst for local and international history.

Local bookstores are a treasure trove of these bestsellers. At Books & Books in Valletta, owner Peter Serracino says, “We see a steady stream of customers looking for a mix of local and international titles. It’s heartening to see that despite the digital age, there’s still a strong appetite for print books.”

E-books and Audiobooks: The Digital Revolution

But it’s not just about print. E-books and audiobooks are also gaining traction among Maltese readers. The National Book Council reports a significant increase in digital book purchases, with many readers opting for the convenience and variety they offer.

Malta’s public libraries have been at the forefront of this digital shift. At the St. James Cavalier Library in Valletta, librarian Maria Grech says, “We’ve seen a significant rise in demand for our e-book and audiobook services. It’s not replacing print, but it’s certainly complementing it.”

Reading for the Future

The study also highlights for Maltese children. With the government’s recent investment in school libraries, there’s a renewed focus on fostering a love for reading among the next generation.

Education Minister Justyne Caruana says, “We want to create a culture of reading in our schools. It’s not just about academic achievement; it’s about instilling a love for books that will stay with our children for life.”

So, the next time you see Mr. Abela with his nose in a book, don’t be surprised. You’re not just seeing a man lost in a story; you’re seeing a Maltese bookworm, one of the many who are turning the pages of our island’s literary scene.