Malta’s Reading Habits Revealed: Three Books a Year, Says New Study

Imagine this: every year, on average, each Maltese person buys three books. That’s a lot of stories, knowledge, and adventures packed into a small island. But is this enough? Let’s look the local book-buying habits and explore what’s driving our literary consumption.

From Valletta to Victoria: A Tale of Two Cities

In the heart of Valletta, the capital’s bustling Republic Street hums with life. Among the shops and cafes, bookstores like ‘Books & Books’ and ‘The Book Depository’ thrive. Here, you’ll find locals browsing the latest releases, classics, and Maltese literature. Meanwhile, in the quiet streets of Rabat, just outside the historic city of Victoria, ‘The Book Nook’ offers a cozy sanctuary for book lovers, reflecting the diverse reading tastes across the island.

But what’s behind this average of three books per year? And how does Malta compare to other European nations?

Numbers Don’t Lie: Malta’s Reading Habits in Perspective

A recent study by the National Book Council (NBC) revealed that while the average Maltese buys three books a year, our reading habits vary greatly. The study found that 25% of Maltese people buy more than five books annually, while 20% buy none at all. This suggests a divide in reading culture, with avid readers and non-readers coexisting on the island.

Comparatively, the EU average stands at 12 books per person per year. While Malta lags behind, our numbers are not far off from other Mediterranean countries like Italy (4.5 books per year) and Spain (6 books per year). However, we’re significantly below countries like Sweden (18 books per year) and Finland (12.6 books per year).

What’s Driving Our Reading Habits?

To understand our reading habits better, let’s consider some local factors. Malta’s strong emphasis on education could be a driving force. Our literacy rate stands at 98.5%, one of the highest in the world. Additionally, Malta’s vibrant cultural scene, with events like the Malta Book Festival and the Valletta Literature Festival, encourages reading.

However, the high cost of books and the digital shift towards e-books and audiobooks might be barriers. A paperback book in Malta can cost around €10-15, which might be a deterrent for some. with the rise of e-readers and audiobook platforms, some readers might be forgoing physical books altogether.

Local bookstores and publishers are also playing a significant role in shaping our reading habits. Initiatives like ‘Books in Schools’ by the NBC and ‘Il-Malti’ by Klabb Kotba Maltin are promoting reading among students and preserving Maltese literature.

But what do Maltese readers themselves have to say?

Voices from the Island

Meet Maria, a 35-year-old marketing professional from Birkirkara. She buys around seven books a year, mostly crime thrillers and historical fiction. “I love getting lost in a good story,” she says. “Books are my escape from everyday life.”

Then there’s Joseph, a 55-year-old retired teacher from Zebbug. He buys only one or two books a year, preferring to borrow from the public library. “I like to support local authors and Maltese literature,” he explains. “But I also enjoy classics and international literature.”

: Can Malta Become a Nation of Bookworms?

Malta’s reading habits are a mix of encouraging trends and areas for improvement. To boost our literary consumption, we could explore initiatives like book clubs, reading challenges, and more affordable book options. Let’s also celebrate and promote local authors and Maltese literature.

As we look to the future, let’s not forget the power of a good book. It can transport us to another world, broaden our horizons, and inspire us. So, let’s keep turning those pages, Malta. After all, every book is a journey waiting to happen.

Let’s end with a quote from Maltese author Immanuel Mifsud: “Books are like friends. They can change our lives.”