How to Get People to Read

Are books dead?

That's the question everybody's asking since the release of the Kindle, a new electronic reader that some are predicting may eventually replace the traditional book.

Yet while we few remaining avid readers are debating the demise of print and paper, some are taking note of a deeper problem:

People don't read anymore.

Consider this—

In a recent column, Sara Nelson of Publishers Weekly noted that "the percentage of 17-year-olds who read nothing at all for pleasure has doubled over a 20-year period (from 9% in 1984 to 19% in 2004). Watching television eclipses reading as a favorite leisure-time activity for men and women of all ages, but for 15–24-year-olds, reading is particularly avoided. On average, these teens and young adults spend less than 10 minutes a day on voluntary reading."

The demise of the reader should concern writers and publishers much more than changes in reading technology. How do we get more people to read books in any format
Here are 10 things you can do to get others to pick up a book.

1. Talk about Books You've Read. When you read a good book, tell friends about it. Mention it in conversation; refer to it in your teaching. If it helped you, tell others.

2. Give Books as Gifts. Duh. Especially at Christmastime, this should be obvious. If books aren't on your shopping list, there's no sense complaining that your own books aren't selling. Bibles, classic Christian writing, fiction, poetry, theology, self-help—you’ve got plenty to choose from. Be a giver of wisdom.

3. Read to Children. Reading to children enhances their intellectual development and helps them become early readers. Do it, Mom. You’ll be glad you did.

4. Publish Book Reviews. Sure, you can! Your blog is an ideal place to review books. And most community newspapers welcome well-written reviews of current books. Review books for your church newsletter, the local newspaper, or other publications. Help direct the reading of others.

5. Start a Book Club. Read a book and then discuss it together. Isn’t this what many small groups do already? It’s no substitute for Bible study, but it will support your discipleship efforts. You can easily do this online.

6. Create a Church Library. A church library that is prominently located and stocked with current books will be patronized. Build it, and they will come.

7. Host Authors. Many Christian authors are available for speaking engagements or personal appearances. Notify local television, radio, and newspapers, and you will build your event and draw attention to your ministry.

8. Sponsor Reading Contests. Kids love to win prizes; adults do too! Make it as hokey as you like; it’ll get them reading.

9. Sell Books. Booksellers are pacesetters. Your own speaking events and other ministry happenings such as concerts, retreats, and seminars can be enhanced by offering relevant books and resources for sale. Call us to inquire about becoming a book vendor for ministry events near you.

10. Hold a Bible When You Teach. If you're a pastors, small group leader, or Bible study teacher, read your study passage out loud. Invite others to read the teaching text or have the group read it together. Remind people that God’s Word is a book—and they can read it for themselves.

Traditional books, graphic novels, e-books, audio books—it matters little what format people use to consume books ... as long as they "read."