Malta’s Reading Habits: More Than Meets the Eye
Malta’s Reading Habits Unveiled: A Book Every Four Months
Imagine strolling down Republic Street on a lazy Sunday afternoon. You pass by the bustling cafes, the historic auberges, and then, you spot it – a queue snaking out of the door of a bookstore. This is not an uncommon sight in Malta, despite what the latest study might suggest. According to a new survey, the average Maltese buys just three books a year. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a more nuanced picture of Malta’s reading habits.
Numbers Tell a Story, But Not the Whole Tale
The study, conducted by the National Book Council, revealed that while the average Maltese buys three books annually, the number of avid readers who purchase more than ten books a year is on the rise. This suggests that while book buying might not be as frequent as we’d like, there’s a dedicated core of readers keeping Malta’s bookstores alive.
But what about those who don’t buy books? Are they not reading? Not necessarily. Libraries, both public and private, play a significant role in Malta’s reading culture. The Public Libraries in Malta, for instance, saw over 250,000 visits last year. And let’s not forget the book clubs, reading circles, and literary events scattered across the islands. The Malta Book Festival, held annually at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, is a prime example. Last year, it attracted over 30,000 visitors.
Local Authors and Malta’s Reading Scene
Malta’s reading scene is not just about imports. Local authors are making waves both at home and abroad. Consider Immanuel Mifsud, whose work has been translated into several languages. Or Loranne Vella, whose debut novel ‘The Collector of Lost Things’ was a bestseller. Their success is a testament to the richness of Maltese literature and the appetite for it among local readers.
the rise of self-publishing platforms has democratized publishing, making it easier for local writers to share their work. This has led to a boom in Maltese literature, with a wide range of genres now available, from crime and fantasy to poetry and non-fiction.
: Encouraging a Reading Culture
So, what can we do to encourage more reading? The National Book Council has initiatives like ‘Books in Schools’ and ‘Books in Hospitals’, which bring books to those who might not otherwise have access to them. But we can all play a part. How about starting a book club in your community? Or volunteering at your local library? Every little effort counts.
As for the average Maltese buying three books a year, let’s not focus on the number. Instead, let’s celebrate the fact that we’re reading at all. After all, as the late Maltese poet Oliver Friggieri once said, “A nation that does not read is a nation that does not think.”
