A recent analysis of U.S. government data shows that only 16% of Americans read for pleasure on an average day in 2023, down from 28% in 2004. That figure covers not just books but also audiobooks, e-books and periodicals such as magazines. The drop is a sign that many adults are turning away from books in favor of other activities.
Why Adults Are Reading Less
People cite a mix of reasons for losing the habit. Some feel exhausted from years of assigned reading in school, while others simply lack the time or prefer scrolling through social media. A third group admits that they have simply slipped out of the habit. “It’s difficult for people who are really tired and busy to think about getting into reading if it’s not something they’re used to,” said Jacqueline Rammer, director of Menomonee Falls Public Library in Wisconsin.
Choosing the Right Book
Picking a book that feels rewarding is the first step toward re-establishing a routine. Avoid dense nonfiction or a 500-page tome that can feel intimidating. “Your first book should be something that you think will be joyful,” said Jocelyn Luizzi, a software engineer from Chicago who blogs about books. Luizzi recommends gathering suggestions from friends, booksellers and online communities like BookTok.
Leveraging Library Resources
Libraries can help match readers with titles they’ll love. Rammer’s staff ask visitors what they last enjoyed in a book, TV show or movie, and then look for similar genres or themes. Many libraries offer a service called NoveList, which suggests “read-alikes” for various books and authors.
Building a Reading Routine
Creating a habit that sticks requires a clear schedule. “Start by scheduling reading into your day,” said Gloria Mark, an attention-span expert with the University of California, Irvine. Mark suggests setting aside five pages during a lunch break or right before bed. If you’re handling a physical book, she advises keeping phones and laptops out of sight to avoid distractions.
Trying Different Formats
Experimenting with e-books and audiobooks can make reading more convenient. E-books are portable, and audiobooks can accompany chores or a morning commute. Both formats are often free through the Libby app, which can be accessed by signing in with a library card.
Reading in a Quiet or Social Setting
While a quiet setting is ideal, reading can also be a social activity. Many cities host silent book clubs where participants read their own books together in coffee shops or libraries. These gatherings allow readers to share their experience without the pressure of discussion.
Setting Goals Without Pressure
A yearly reading goal or a local library’s winter reading challenge can boost motivation, but only if it feels supportive. “If it feels like added pressure, don’t do it,” advised Mark. Shannon Whitehead Smith, a book blogger from the Atlanta area who works in marketing, says that scrolling through lists of other people’s reads on social media and trackers like StoryGraph keeps her on track. “Seeing all these other people reading motivates me to put my phone down and pick up this book that’s sitting beside me,” she added.
Knowing When to Skip a Book
Not every book will feel right, and that’s okay. “Reading shouldn’t feel like a burden,” said Jess Bone, a researcher at University College London who analyzed the survey data about American adults reading for pleasure. Routine readers find that the habit keeps them curious and helps release daily stress.
Rammer’s Personal Preferences
Rammer, the library director, prefers mysteries filled with twists and romances that cycle through emotional roller coasters. She especially enjoys books that end with a “happily ever after.” “I think the guarantee of knowing that things are going to end up OK is really reassuring,” she said.
Reading as a Stress-Relief Tool
Beyond habit, reading offers tangible benefits. It can reduce stress, increase creativity and boost empathy. These advantages make a compelling case for making time to read again, even for busy adults.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, only 16% of Americans read for pleasure daily, down from 28% in 2004.
- Experts recommend choosing joyful, manageable books and using library tools like NoveList and Libby.
- A structured routine-such as reading five pages during lunch-helps re-establish the habit without feeling burdensome.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
