Malta’s Reading Habits Unveiled: The Average Maltese Buys Three Books a Year

Imagine strolling down Republic Street on a lazy Sunday afternoon. You pass by the bustling cafes, the historic Auberge d’Italie, and then, you spot it – a queue snaking out of the door of a bookstore. This isn’t a rare sight in Malta, but what’s surprising is the frequency of such scenes. A new study has revealed that the average Maltese buys three books a year, challenging the stereotype of a nation glued to screens.

Books by the Bays: Malta’s Reading Habits in Numbers

The study, conducted by the National Book Council, paints a vivid picture of Malta’s reading habits. It found that the average Maltese buys 3.1 books a year, with a significant portion of these purchases happening during the summer months. This means that, collectively, Maltese book lovers are buying around 150,000 books annually, a figure that’s been steadily increasing over the past decade.

But where are these books being bought? According to the study, physical bookstores remain the preferred choice, with online platforms and book fairs trailing behind. Locally, this means that bookstores like Sapienzas in Valletta, Agenda Bookshop in Sliema, and the bookstall at the Sunday Market in Marsaxlokk are thriving hubs of literary activity.

From ‘Il-Gżira’ to ‘Game of Thrones’: Malta’s Reading Tastes

So, what’s capturing the Maltese imagination? The study reveals a diverse range of tastes, with local literature, crime thrillers, and fantasy topping the list. ‘Il-Gżira’ by Immanuel Mifsud and ‘The Swallow’ by Clare Azzopardi are among the local favourites, while international bestsellers like ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Girl on the Train’ also make the cut.

But it’s not just about fiction. Non-fiction books, particularly those on history, politics, and self-help, are also popular. This is reflected in the success of local book launches and events, such as the Malta Book Festival and the Valletta Literature Festival, which attract thousands of readers each year.

Turning the Page: Encouraging a Nation of Readers

The rise in book buying is a testament to Malta’s growing literary culture. However, there’s still room for growth. The study found that while 76% of Maltese people read at least one book a year, there’s a significant drop-off in reading frequency among those aged 18 to 24.

To tackle this, initiatives like the ‘Reading is My Right’ campaign and the ‘Malta Libraries’ project are working to make books more accessible and appealing to young people. Meanwhile, local authors and publishers are pushing the boundaries of Maltese literature, creating works that resonate with contemporary readers.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that Malta’s love affair with books is far from over. So, the next time you’re out and about, don’t be surprised to see a queue outside your local bookstore. After all, the average Maltese is just a few pages away from their next great read.

“Reading is not just an escape, it’s a journey of self-discovery. And in Malta, that journey is becoming more and more popular.” – Dr. Albert Marshall, Director of the National Book Council