How to Get Back into Reading

09.01.2025 | 4 min read

Maybe you were a bookworm growing up, the kind of kid who had a small stack of books on their nightstand for an easy grab-and-read session right before bed or during a lazy afternoon. Or maybe you haven’t read a book since you graduated high school.

In either case, you might be trying to figure out what happened. It’s not likely your love for books, novels and magazines just evaporated. As people’s lives evolve, so do their responsibilities. Careers, family, social media and other interests can push aside hobbies that used to fill hours for our younger selves.

If you haven’t found yourself cracking open a book cover lately, you’re not alone. Here are facts about reading in the United States:

About one in six Americans read for pleasure on an average day in 2023, compared to one in three in 2004, according to a new study of 230,000 Americans age 15 and older. This is a decline of about 3% per year and 40% in 20 years.
The study noted there has been a decline in reading in the U.S. for 80 years.
The authors noted higher income Americans tend to read more, and less leisure time and digital media are among the reasons for less reading.
Still, about 75% of Americans report having read a book in the past year.
Audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular, growing from 11% of readers in 2011 to 23% in 2023, according to Pew Research.

The benefits of reading

For many people, the benefits of reading are multi-faceted. Reading true-life stories are informative. History themes and biographical books are interesting and make us smarter. Fiction and poetry inspire creativity. In short, reading makes us think, improves our focus and is great exercise for our brains. It also falls under the wide umbrella of self-care.

Tips for getting back into reading

Much like physical exercise, reading happens more when we deliberately make time for it. Here are some ways you can set yourself up for getting back into reading:

Create a space

You can read in bed or during a break at work, it helps to create a space that you find perfect for reading. If it’s a favorite couch or chair, outfit the area with comfortable pillows and a cozy throw blanket. Create a little reading nook by adding a table where you can keep your books. It can have a reading light, bookmarks and a place to set your tea or other beverage.

Use your local library

Libraries offer free access to a wealth of books, and your librarians are happy to make recommendations for you and order one you're looking for.

Your library is also likely part of a collective, meaning you can get access to books they don't have on the shelves.

Get fun books

Reading classic literature or history can be wonderful, but it can also be challenging. Consider starting with books you find fun to build up your reading muscle, or swap fun books with serious books for a variety of reading experiences.

If you’re purchasing books or checking them out at your local library, get more than one – even if you think you won’t have time to finish it. This gives you another option in case you don’t like the book you’ve chosen. Don't push yourself to slog through an uninteresting book. Set it aside and reach for a better one.

Make time to read

Add reading to your to-do list, just like you would other things that are good for you. It’s a great thing to do in the evenings instead of scrolling on your phone or watching TV. Blue light from tech devices can keep you up, but a physical book can ease you into your bedtime routine.

Try audiobooks

Do these count as reading? You bet they do. If you’re not a physical hold-the-book-and-read person, try listening to an audiobook in the car, on the treadmill or when you’re out for a walk or running errands. These can be checked out from a library app or downloaded online.

Read online

Some people prefer to read their books via a tablet, a download on their laptop or phone. That’s fine, too. Often these are just as portable as regular books, and you can read whenever you have spare time. Libraries typically have access to apps that allow you to borrow books and add holds online.

Try a book club

Reading does not have to be a solitary experience. If you want to talk about the books you’re reading, join a book club or reading group. Some of these are local groups that meet at libraries or coffee shops. Others are online groups that have regular chats. Either way, you’re spending time with book lovers.

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