American reading rates increase, according to recent NEA study
By Meaghan Carey
According to a National Endowment for the Arts survey, for the first time in more than 25 years the rate at which adults are reading has increased. Specifically, the biggest increase is among young adults aged 18-24.
One may ask, why or what has caused this increase in readers? Beverly Brown, an employee at Mynt, a fashion boutique in Elon, said “there are more books now.”
Brown estimates that she reads a book every two weeks by any number of authors.
“I read best sellers,” she said. “I don’t read one author. Dan Brown, Stephen King, Thomas Friedman, some religious books and lots of classics.”
Brown said she reads more now because she did not read as much growing up. Her parents, who worked on a farm, did not encourage reading. But she encouraged her children to read often because, she says, parents have a great influence on whether their children will choose to read.
“My girls who are in their 20s are reading., Brown said.
Students, in contrast with adults, say they do not have as much time to enjoy books. A typical college schedule does not leave much room for a leisure activity such as reading.
“I can’t read for pleasure,” said Meghan Gribbon, a sophomore at Elon University, who typically reads more in summer because she has more downtime to enjoy and read books such as fiction novels, period pieces or comedic literature.
Grace Sweeney, a sophomore at Elon University, also had the same problem of finding time to read books for pleasure outside of class. Sweeney said she prefers classic books, as well as the Chelsea Handler series.
“It’s a different way to entertain yourself other than going on Facebook or watching television,” Sweeney said. “It’s more satisfying.”
Sweeney also said there has “been an emphasis on reading. A lot of hit novels have convinced people to read more.” Sweeney said hit series Twilight and Harry Potter have been popular in past years and are still currently popular.
Taylor Sperry, who is also a sophomore at Elon University. said she reads a good amount. Sperry said she tends to prefer biographies and fiction novels. As to why adults are reading more? Sperry says it’s accessibility.
“I think it’s happening because there is more access [to books],” Sweeney said.
