Malta’s Reading Habits: A Closer Look at the Average of 3 Books a Year
In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Republic Street, you’ll find the quaint bookshop ‘Books & Books’. Behind the counter, owner Tony Cassar is not surprised when told that the average Maltese buys just three books a year. “It’s a shame, but it’s the reality,” he sighs. Today, we look the reading habits of Malta’s residents and explore what’s keeping us from turning more pages.
Books by the Numbers
The study, conducted by the National Book Council, reveals that while we’re not exactly a nation of bookworms, we’re not completely off the literary map either. Three books a year might seem low, but it’s not the lowest in Europe. According to Eurostat, we’re ahead of countries like Luxembourg and Cyprus, who buy an average of two books annually.
However, we’re also far from the top. Our neighbours in Italy lead the pack with an average of 12 books per person per year. In the UK, it’s around 10. So, what’s keeping Malta from climbing the literary ladder?
Reasons Behind the Figures
One reason could be the cost. Despite Malta’s relatively low unemployment rate, the cost of living is high, and disposable income is often stretched thin. A quick browse through ‘Books & Books’ reveals that even paperbacks can set you back €15 or more. “Books are not cheap,” says Tony, “and many people simply can’t afford to buy them regularly.”
Another factor is the digital age. E-books and audiobooks have made reading more accessible, but not necessarily more popular. A survey by the NBF found that while 42% of Maltese adults own an e-reader or tablet, only 18% use it to read books. Instead, we’re more likely to use these devices for social media, news, and entertainment.
Encouraging a Love for Reading
But all is not lost. Initiatives like the Malta Book Festival and the National Book Council’s ‘Books in Schools’ project are keeping the flame of literature alive. The festival, held annually in November, attracts thousands of visitors and offers a wide range of local and international literature. Meanwhile, the ‘Books in Schools’ project provides free books to schools, encouraging children to read from an early age.
Local libraries are also doing their part. The Valletta Public Library, for instance, offers a wide range of books in various languages, as well as e-books and audiobooks. They also host regular events and workshops, making the library a vibrant community hub.
“We need to make reading more accessible and attractive,” says Albert Marshall, Director of the National Book Council. “It’s not just about buying more books; it’s about creating a culture of reading.”
So, what can you do? Start small. Visit your local library. Support local bookshops like ‘Books & Books’. Talk about books with friends and family. And most importantly, pick up a book and start reading. After all, as Mark Twain once said, “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”
