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

Imagine the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the heart of Malta’s capital. Picture the bookstores nestled among the historic buildings, their windows filled with enticing covers. Now, consider this: the average Maltese person walks past these stores three times a year, each time with the potential to step inside and buy a book. According to a new study, that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Malta’s Reading Habits in Numbers

A recent survey by the National Book Council has revealed some fascinating insights into Malta’s reading habits. The study, conducted among 1,000 respondents, found that the average Maltese person buys three books a year. This might not sound like much, but it’s a significant increase from the two books per year reported in a similar study five years ago.

But who are these book buyers? The study found that women are more likely to purchase books than men, with 56% of female respondents buying books compared to 44% of men. Age also plays a factor, with those aged 18-35 being the most active book buyers. Interestingly, the study also found that book buying habits are influenced by education level, with university graduates buying the most books.

What We’re Reading

So, what are we Maltese reading? The study found that fiction tops the list, with 62% of respondents buying novels or short stories. Non-fiction comes in a close second, with 58% of respondents buying books in this category. When it comes to specific genres, crime and mystery are the most popular, followed by historical fiction and romance.

But it’s not just about the bestsellers. The study also found that Maltese readers are keen on local literature. 42% of respondents said they had bought a book by a Maltese author in the past year. This is a significant increase from the 32% reported in the 2016 study, indicating a growing interest in local literature.

Books in the Digital Age

In the age of e-books and audiobooks, it’s no surprise that digital formats are also popular among Maltese readers. The study found that 37% of respondents had bought an e-book in the past year, while 28% had listened to an audiobook. However, traditional print books still reign supreme, with 87% of respondents preferring to read physical books.

But it’s not just about the format. The study also found that Maltese readers are increasingly buying their books online. 64% of respondents said they had bought a book online in the past year, with Amazon being the most popular platform. However, local bookstores are still valued, with 56% of respondents saying they prefer to buy their books from physical stores.

One local bookseller, Joe from The Bookshop in Sliema, agrees with the study’s findings. “We’ve seen an increase in sales over the past few years,” he says. “People are definitely buying more books, and there’s a real interest in local literature.”

The National Book Council’s study provides a fascinating snapshot of Malta’s reading habits. But it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the stories we’re telling and the stories we’re being told. It’s about the way we’re connecting with each other, with our past, and with the world around us. As we look to the future, let’s hope that this trend continues, that we keep buying those three books a year, and that we keep telling our stories.

After all, as Maltese author Immanuel Mifsud once said, “Books are like windows. They allow us to look out into the world and see things from different perspectives.”