World Book Day 2025: 6th March
Why World Book Day is Important and How Reading is Declining Amongst Young People
In a world dominated by technology, social media and video games, the act of reading for pleasure among young people has seen a noticeable decline. However, initiatives like World Book Day (WBD) and innovative tools such as Infiniti and LibPaths are playing a critical role in bringing reading back into the spotlight and making it a more engaging, enjoyable activity for the younger generation.
The Decline of Reading Among Young People
Recent studies, including last year’s Annual Literacy Survey by the National Literacy Trust, have revealed worrying trends in reading habits among young people. In an era where digital media often takes precedence, reading for pleasure has been increasingly sidelined.
The NLT’s study shows that just 1 in 3 (34.6%) of the young people surveyed enjoy reading in their free time and only 1 in 5 (20.5%) said they read something in their free time every day. Reading enjoyment has decreased by almost 9% in the last year alone!
A significant factor in this decline is the change in attention spans. Social media platforms are designed for rapid consumption of short, bite-sized content, while books require sustained concentration and commitment. Many young people find it challenging to focus on longer texts when they are used to constant updates and stimuli.
Additionally, the accessibility of digital entertainment options, combined with the influence of peers who prioritise technology and gaming over reading, further contributes to this decline. The advent of smartphones and the internet has led to a shift in the way young people engage with information, often in the form of videos or interactive content rather than reading written material.
Smartphones, video streaming and social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are all designed to capture attention quickly and continuously, making it harder for books to compete. However, our friends at Peters recognise that school librarians and teacher-librarians can and do play a crucial role in reversing these trends and have created some strategies to help encourage reading for pleasure in schools.
Why World Book Day is So Important
World Book Day (WBD), celebrated globally, aims to encourage children and young adults to engage with books and foster a lifelong love of reading. The event, which is observed in many countries, is designed to inspire young readers by providing access to books, highlighting the value of literature, and celebrating the joy of reading.
WBD plays an essential role in reversing the trend of declining reading habits by offering a range of activities, events, and resources that celebrate books. Schools often participate by organising reading challenges, author visits, book swaps and dress-up days based on favourite book characters, making reading fun and interactive. These initiatives create a sense of excitement around literature, especially for young readers who may not have been inclined to pick up a book otherwise.
By promoting reading in an inclusive and enjoyable way, WBD can serve as a gateway to instilling a lasting appreciation for literature. Encouraging young people to read, not just for academic reasons but for enjoyment, is vital for cognitive development, emotional growth and academic success.
Innovative Tools Making Reading More Engaging: Infiniti and LibPaths
While events like World Book Day provide the necessary boost, technological innovations play an important role in engaging young readers. Best-in-class school library management systems like Infiniti and LibPaths are revolutionising the way books are experienced, transforming the reading process from a solitary activity into an interactive and rewarding experience.
The integration of digital platforms with traditional library services offers a compelling solution to the problem of access. For young people who may not have easy access to physical libraries or face challenges in finding books they are excited about, LibPaths opens up a world of possibilities. With an easy-to-use interface, students can search for books, participate in challenges, and engage in virtual events that bring reading to life.
Infiniti is a true cloud-native platform and can be accessed anywhere, anytime and from any device.
Conclusion
The decline in reading for pleasure among young people is a growing concern, but initiatives like World Book Day and tools such as Infiniti and LibPaths are proving that reading can be an exciting and valuable activity in today’s digital age.
World Book Day not only celebrates books but also inspires young people to dive into the world of literature, making reading a fun, social and enriching experience. Meanwhile, innovative platforms like Infiniti and LibPaths bridge the gap between traditional reading and modern technology, providing young readers with the tools they need to enjoy reading on their terms.
As we continue to embrace technology, it is essential to find new ways to make reading enjoyable and relevant to young audiences. By fostering a culture that values books and incorporates technology, we can ensure that future generations continue to experience the joy of reading.
Please get in touch with our friendly team if you would like to know more about anything mentioned above or if you might benefit from a free consultation so we can help you figure out the best solution for your specific requirements. Don’t forget to ask us about our new Infiniti Referral Rewards programme!