Malta’s Average Book Buying Habits Revealed

Picture this: you’re strolling down Republic Street, Malta’s bustling capital, and you notice something unusual. Among the chatter and the clatter of espresso cups, a significant number of people are engrossed in books. Not just any books, but a diverse range – from bestsellers to local literature, thrillers to cookbooks. You might think, “Well, it’s Malta. We’re a nation of booklovers, right?” But did you know that, on average, each Maltese person buys three books a year? That’s according to a new study by the National Book Council, and it’s a figure that paints an intriguing picture of our literary scene.

The study, conducted earlier this year, sheds light on our reading habits and preferences. It reveals that while we’re buying books, we’re also borrowing them. Public libraries, like the one tucked away in the quiet streets of Birkirkara, are seeing an increase in footfall. Street libraries, too, are thriving. Remember the little red box on the corner of your street? It’s not just a quirky addition to our streetscape; it’s a testament to our love for books.

But what are we reading? The study shows that local literature is high on our list. Books by Maltese authors like Immanuel Mifsud, Loranne Vella, and Clare Azzopardi are flying off the shelves. But we’re not just stopping at local reads. Bestsellers by international authors like J.K. Rowling, Dan Brown, and Stephen King also feature prominently on our lists.

You might think that with the rise of digital platforms, print books would be on the decline. But that’s not the case in Malta. While e-books and audiobooks are indeed gaining traction, print books remain our preferred format. The study shows that 65% of us still prefer the feel of a physical book in our hands. However, the digital trend is undeniable. More and more of us are downloading e-books and listening to audiobooks, especially among the younger generations.

So, why are we so fond of books? Is it our love for language and storytelling? Our desire to connect with our rich literary heritage? Or perhaps it’s simply because books offer a respite from our busy lives, a chance to lose ourselves in another world. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: books are deeply ingrained in our culture.