What It Means for Our Community
The State of the Nation’s Adult Reading: 2025 Report – The Reading Agency
The latest national research into adult reading habits reveals an encouraging yet complex picture. More adults across the UK are reading — but many still don’t see themselves as “readers.” For libraries, this presents both an opportunity and a call to action.
More Adults Are Reading — Especially Younger Adults
In 2025, 53% of UK adults describe themselves as regular readers, an increase from 50% last year. The most notable growth is among 25–34-year-olds, where self-identified reading has risen sharply.
Yet nearly half of adults still reject the label “reader” — even though the majority of them read daily. Many consume news articles, recipes, online content, graphic novels, and game narratives. The issue isn’t whether adults are reading. It’s how they define reading — and whether they see themselves reflected in the word “reader.”
For libraries, this challenges us to broaden and celebrate all forms of reading.
Confidence, Time and Identity
Reading confidence plays a powerful role in reader identity. Adults who rate their reading ability highly are far more likely to call themselves regular readers. Those with lower confidence are much less likely to do so.
Time pressure is another significant factor. Over half of adults say they read less than they intend to. People who feel they lack free time are far more likely to describe themselves as lapsed or non-readers. In a world where television and social media dominate leisure time, reading often competes with constant digital distraction.
Libraries can support readers by:
- Promoting short-form and flexible reading options
- Encouraging audiobook and e-book use for busy lifestyles
- Creating welcoming, low-pressure reading spaces
- Offering reading groups that build confidence and community
Format Matters: Reading Looks Different for Everyone
Print books remain the most enjoyed format, but e-books and audiobooks are also widely appreciated. Importantly, adults with learning differences report enjoying most reading formats at higher rates than adults without — except for traditional print books.
This reinforces the importance of:
- Accessible formats
- Clear signage and guidance
- Assistive technologies
- Inclusive programming
Reading is not one-size-fits-all, and libraries are uniquely placed to provide choice.
Representation and Access Remain Key
Only half of UK adults say they can easily find books with characters or experiences that reflect their own. Additionally, more than one in five adults struggle to find reading material in their preferred language.
Libraries play a crucial role in ensuring collections are diverse, multilingual and representative of the communities they serve. Inclusive collections help people feel that reading belongs to them.
The Wellbeing Benefits of Reading
The report highlights a strong connection between regular reading and wellbeing. Compared to non-readers, regular readers are significantly more likely to report:
- Feeling connected to their community
- Feeling happy
- Finding it easy to relax
- Sleeping well
- Feeling less lonely or anxious
Reading is more than entertainment — it supports emotional health, belonging and resilience.
What This Means for Our Library
The 2025 findings suggest that adult reading is not in crisis — reader identity is. Many adults are reading daily but don’t see themselves as readers.
As a library, we can:
- Celebrate all forms of reading
- Build reading confidence
- Promote diverse and accessible collections
- Create welcoming spaces for readers at every stage
Whether you read novels, news articles, audiobooks, poetry, graphic novels or online features — you are a reader. And we’re here to support you.
Visit us to explore new formats, discover inclusive collections, and reconnect with reading in a way that works for you.