The Reading Agency and Leading Authors Address Critical Decline in UK Adult Reading Habits at London Book Fair

The Reading Agency, London Book Fair‘s Charity Partner of the Year, will host a vital panel discussion titled “Building a Diverse and Inclusive Reading Community” on Thursday, March 13, 2025 as part of this year’s programme. Drawing on the impact and insights of The Reading Agency’s life-changing Quick Reads programme, the event comes at a crucial time as new research reveals a stark decline in reading habits across the UK, with only half of UK adults now reading regularly – down from 58% in 2015. 

The panel features award-winning authors Kit de Waal (My Name Is Leon) and Clare Mackintosh (I Let You Go). The session will be chaired by The Reading Agency’s co-founder and Creative Director, Debbie Hicks MBE. 

8.5 million adults in the UK struggle with reading, according to the OECD. Further research from The Reading Agency has uncovered further concerning trends, finding that young adults face particular challenges. Among 16-24-year-olds, a quarter have never been regular readers, and 44% are considered ‘lapsed readers’. The challenges are even more pronounced for young adults aged 16-34, with 42% reporting difficulty focusing on reading and 39% struggling to find relatable content. 

“These statistics are particularly alarming because we know reading is fundamental to personal development, empathy, and wellbeing. Nearly three in ten people struggle to finish what they read or focus for more than a few minutes – barriers we must address collectively as an industry.” 

– Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency

As part of the session, the panel will explore: 

• The impact of reading on mental health, empathy, and career development 
• Innovative approaches to engaging reluctant readers including Quick Reads 
• The role of accessible formats including audiobooks, magazines, and graphic novels 
• How community partnerships can create sustainable reading habits 
• The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A, allowing industry professionals to engage directly with the speakers about implementing these strategies in their own work. 

Find out more about the event here