Malta’s Reading Habits: Three Books a Year
Malta’s Reading Habits Unveiled: Three Books a Year, Says New Study
Imagine strolling down Republic Street on a lazy Sunday afternoon. You pass by the bustling bookstores, their windows filled with colourful covers and enticing titles. It’s a scene that’s become a staple of Malta’s cultural scene. But how many of those books end up in our homes, and how often do we buy them?
According to a new study by the National Book Council, the average Maltese buys three books a year. That’s roughly one book for every four months. It’s a figure that paints a fascinating picture of our reading habits, and it’s one that’s got book lovers across the island talking.
From Classics to Crime: What’s in Our Book Bags?
The study, conducted earlier this year, surveyed over 1,000 Maltese residents. It found that while we’re buying books at a steady pace, our tastes vary greatly. Classics like ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ still hold sway, but so do modern favourites like ‘The Girl on the Train’ and ‘The Da Vinci Code’.
Local literature also has a place on our bookshelves. Immanuel Mifsud and Clare Azzopardi are among the Maltese authors whose works are flying off the shelves. It’s a heartening sign that our literary scene is thriving, and that we’re eager to read the stories being told right here at home.
Books Online, Sales Offline: The Maltese Paradox
But while we’re buying books at a steady rate, the way we’re buying them is changing. The study found that while 60% of us still prefer to buy our books in physical stores, 40% are turning to online platforms. It’s a trend that’s being reflected in the island’s bookstores, with some struggling to keep up with the shift.
Yet, despite the rise of e-books and online shopping, Malta’s bookstores remain a vital part of our cultural scene. From the cosy nooks of The Bookshop in Sliema to the vast selection at the University Bookshop in Msida, they’re more than just places to buy books – they’re community hubs, where we discover new worlds and share our love of reading.
So, what does the future hold for Malta’s reading habits? . But one thing’s for sure – whether we’re buying online or in-store, whether we’re reaching for classics or crime thrillers, we’re a nation of readers. And that’s something worth celebrating.
“Reading is a way for me to explore the world from my own little corner of it,” says 28-year-old Malta resident, Maria Grech. “I love that I can buy a book and be transported somewhere else, all from the comfort of my own home.”
