Daily leisure reading in the United States declined more than 40% between 2003 and 2023, averaging roughly a 3% drop per year. The decline continues a long-term downward trend extending back to the 1940s, suggesting at least eight decades of reduced reading for pleasure. Reading for pleasure is linked to relaxation, well-being, mental health and quality of life. Access to books has increased through e-book apps and library checkout tools, but increasing use of social media, short-form content and streaming is crowding out moments previously available for reading. Reduced arts participation removes an inexpensive option for supporting public mental health.
Put down the book, pick up the phone.
we know that reading for pleasure, among other forms of arts participation, is a health behavior. It is associated with relaxation, well-being, mental health, quality of life.
We're losing a low-hanging fruit in our health toolkit when we're reading or participating in the arts less,
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