A recent study published by Cambridge University Press has revealed significant insights into the reading habits of Generation Z, identified as individuals born between 1997 and 2012. The research, conducted by authors Kathi Inman Berens and Rachel Noorda, assesses how this digitally native generation is engaging with literature, highlighting an unexpected shift towards physical books.
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Berens and Noorda’s study is grounded in a series of nationwide surveys administered in 2020, 2022, and 2025. Their analysis demonstrates a noteworthy increase in reading among Gen Z, contradicting some preconceived notions about the impact of technology on this group’s literary inclinations. The findings indicate that many members of this generation are not only reading more but are also gravitating towards physical books despite their well-established association with digital media.
In an article detailing their research for The Conversation, Berens and Noorda emphasise how traditional reading studies often fail to capture the multimodal reading habits of Gen Z. This group frequently navigates between different formats, including print, e-books, and audiobooks, as well as utilising online platforms such as Wattpad and manga sites. Their reading also encompasses diverse materials like text messages, emails, and fanfiction, reflecting a blend of digital and traditional literacy.
According to the data collected in 2025, a promising 66% of Gen Z identified as readers, marking a 14% increase since 2022. Furthermore, 65% reported having read at least one print book within the last year, which represents an impressive 59% rise from the previous survey. These metrics suggest a burgeoning interest in reading among younger individuals who often find themselves surrounded by screens.
Moreover, the 2025 survey highlighted increased visits to bookstores and public libraries by Gen Z. Nearly one-third of respondents indicated they had made purchases at a physical bookstore. The research also unveiled a link between library visits and emotional well-being. It was noted that those who frequented libraries reported lower feelings of loneliness compared to their peers who did not engage in such outings. The allure of libraries appears to lie not only in the books they house but also in the social opportunities they offer.
The American Booksellers Association has reported a remarkable 70% increase in the number of independent bookstores across the United States over the past five years. This resurgence can, in part, be attributed to a craving for social interaction among younger readers. Ryan Raffaelli, a professor at Harvard Business School, highlighted the importance of community engagement by stating that people are increasingly seeking connections and a sense of belonging through shared experiences in bookstores.
Contrastingly, a different perspective on younger reading habits emerges from a 2025 study by HarperCollins UK. This research found a decline in the frequency with which young children are read to, with only 41% of 0–4-year-olds receiving regular storytime, a drop from 64% in 2012. Moreover, just 36% of children aged 5-7 and 22% of those aged 8-10 are being read to at home.
The aversion to reading aloud among parents with children aged 13 and under has also come to light. A significant 60% of these parents admitted that reading to their children does not bring them joy, despite 34% wishing they could allocate more time to such activities. A notable distinction was found among Gen Z parents, who were appreciably less likely than their Millennial or Gen X counterparts to consider reading as a fun and enriching endeavour. Instead, a substantial portion viewed it primarily as an academic task.
Overall, the findings paint a complex picture of contemporary reading habits within Generation Z. While the study from Cambridge University Press underscores a growing enthusiasm for reading physical books, the alarming trends in early literacy and the perspectives of parents signal potential challenges for the future of reading engagement.
As society grapples with these fluctuating trends in literacy, the importance of fostering a love for reading among the youngest generations remains critical. With the rising interest in physical books among older children and adolescents, there is an opportunity for educators, parents, and communities to reinforce the joyous aspects of reading, promoting both emotional well-being and lifelong learning.