Reading habits are changing, and with them come urgent questions about how to sustain a love of books across generations. Written by Professor Sarah McGeown, University of Edinburgh, The Future of Books and Reading brings together voices from universities, libraries, education, publishing, and cultural sectors, alongside children, young people, and adults, to reimagine the role of reading in our lives.
Exploring five key themes – Enjoy, Engage, Empower, Enrich, and Expand – the paper highlights the power of reading to inspire, connect, and transform. It calls for fresh thinking, practical action, and collaborative approaches to ensure that reading remains an accessible, enjoyable, and life-enhancing experience for all.