Are you ready for some good news? In the past two decades, reading for pleasure in the U.S. has plummeted over 40%, according to a recent study. Ok, that is bad news. The good news is that our region is bucking this trend. Forbes Library saw a 9% increase in visits last year and a whopping 22% increase in the number of items circulated (over 500,000!).
Forbes’ annual Summer Reading Program is always popular, and this year was an unprecedented success. In addition to high participation by kids and teens, a new innovation was expanding the program to adult readers.
Congratulations, greater Five-College area! Let’s continue to double-down on reading, being curious, and supporting our local libraries and independent bookstores.
P.S. Audio books totally count.
Suzy Campos, board member, Friends of Forbes Library
Northampton