Do you ever get depressed about literacy in decline? There's a steady trend, year after year, that fewer people read for pleasure -- especially when it comes to fiction and poetry.
But this Presidents' Day, there's good news from an author who specializes in writing about U.S. Presidents. When I saw David McCullough in the nation's capitol, he had some reassuring news.
"If you ever find yourself worried about the state of our country, remember this: we still have more public libraries than we have McDonald's. Our country has the best library system of the world."
Now there's something to chew on! Visit David McCullough at his online library.
www.electriceggplant.com/davidmccullough/
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Comments: 37
In truth, thanks for the information.
Much of this has to do with competing media: games, movies, television. Those who do read tend to reach for magazines, or "more productive" non-fiction reading.
As Mark Twain said, "The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them."
I think it is interesting that I came upon this article, when just this morning I was telling my husband: "I think people are tired of reading the same formulas, over and over again. People are busy and selfish with thier time. I know I am. And, I fear that agencies are not interested in anything that is not "formula."
I have read many books, and I have favorite authors. I keep seeing the same formulas. I wrote something that is different in many respects, and I find it refreshing, but try to convince an agent...that's where I fail.
I think society as a whole, has been innodated with trashy material, and writers and artists are forced to "play the game." I may be paranoid about this. But, I would like to see the "tides change." I don't see much material that is published out there right now, in the fiction area, that I want to spend time reading. I love to read, so I wonder if it is just me?
Sorry if I sounded negative, I enjoy this group, and I see so much talent out there in these groups. I just think there should be an agency that advocates for us!!! How about that??? L.O.L.
Besides research, I check out two books a week on average.
Thanks.
Sorry. Been reading some First Chapters this morning, and it's worn me down to this in record time.
and get passing grades. Teachers are graded on the children's passing. Maybe now teachers are less likley to pass a student on when they can't read.
Yes, David, we "Latte sippers" love to read.
I did not mean to rant and rave, and in the process forget to thank you for the information. Thank you for the information. I always enjoy your articles.
To be honest, I'm surprised with this study. I would have thought that reading for fun would be on the upswing. There were never any Barnes & Nobles or Borders within a 50 mile radius of my hometown when I was growing up.
However, as an elementary school librarian, I'm THRILLED with McCullough's little bit of news! :-)
I guess I agree with Mark Twain when he said, "There are lies, damned lies and statistics."
Still, given the qualifiers above I like believing there are more libraries than Mickey D's. It seems somehow hopeful.
Perhaps McDonald's can print book summaries on happy meal boxes. (I'm only kidding!)
I think a good point is made that reading non-fiction can be for pleasure too. Of course it can. But I think they focused on poetry and fiction in the NEA survey because most fiction and poetry reading (aside from students, who weren't included) is for pleasure.
Non fiction may be for pleasure, or may be for learning how to fix up your house or learn the local news, which isn't quite the same as reading for the sake of reading.
The reporter in me, however, would like to know the circulation figures for those libraries, and whether they are up or down.
In another hopeful moment, David McCullough has said that the success of the Harry Potter books demonstrates young people's hunger for a compelling narrative. See his comments in the Washington Post
With the release today of a study on the state of American education, including poor performance in reading, we need good storytellers now more than ever!