Eastern WA reading renaissance: Reclaiming the power of books | Opinion

We are in a reading crisis — a quiet recession in our engagement with books.

In an era of endless social media scrolls and instant digital gratification, sitting down with a book is becoming rare. Yet, this decline threatens our mental clarity, imagination and critical thinking. It’s time to ignite a reading renaissance — a movement to rediscover the transformative power of books for our minds, our youth and our society.

The numbers are sobering.

A 2023 National Endowment for the Arts survey found that only 43% of U.S. adults read a book for pleasure in the past year, down from 53% a decade ago. Among teens, the drop is steeper: a 2024 American Library Association report noted they spend just 6 minutes daily reading for pleasure, compared to over 3 hours on social media. This shift isn’t just about time; it’s about losing the depth and presence that books uniquely provide.

Reading a book is an act of defiance against the chaos of modern life. When you open a novel or delve into nonfiction, you enter a space where you’re fully present with your thoughts.

Unlike social media’s frenetic pace, reading demands focus, inviting you to slow down and engage deeply with ideas or stories. This presence is a mental health tonic. A University of Sussex study found that just 6 minutes of reading reduces stress by 68%, far outpacing the fleeting distractions of digital feeds — reading offers a sanctuary for the mind.

Why do readers almost always say the book was better than the movie? Because reading sparks the imagination in ways screens cannot. When you read, your mind becomes the director, crafting vivid scenes and breathing life into characters. Books invite you to co-create the story, making it deeply personal. No Hollywood blockbuster can rival the boundless theater of your mind.

Reading is a workout for the brain. Fiction challenges us to navigate complex characters and moral dilemmas, fostering empathy and nuanced thinking. Nonfiction sharpens our ability to analyze arguments and question assumptions. Regular reading can improve cognitive function and problem-solving across ages. In an era of misinformation, the critical thinking skills honed by books are essential for discerning truth from noise, equipping us to challenge biased narratives and seek clarity.

Social media promises connection but often delivers anxiety and distraction. Several studies have tied excessive social media use to increased anxiety and lower self-esteem, especially in youth. Books, conversely, offer a soothing experience. They invite us to explore new worlds, confront ideas, or find solace in shared human stories —without the dopamine churn of likes and notifications.

For young people, swapping screen time for books can be a mental health lifeline, building resilience and self-awareness.

To reverse this recession, we need a cultural shift:

• Model Reading: Parents and educators must prioritize reading. Read aloud to kids, discuss books, without tech binging for attention.
• Ensure Access: The Children’s Reading Foundation is helping drive access and the importance of reading to your child 20 minutes a day.
• Celebrate Reading: Book clubs and campaigns make reading a shared joy.
• Teach Presence: Frame reading as self-care, a way to reclaim mental space.

The reading renaissance starts with us. Pick up a book today — fiction or nonfiction — and rediscover its joy. Share it with a child or friend.

Let’s show our youth that books hold more wonder and wisdom than a thousand TikTok videos. The reading crisis is real, but so is our power to spark a renaissance of thinkers, dreamers and readers.

Frank Armijo is president of The Armijo Group and a board member of the Children’s Reading Foundation.

This story was originally published September 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM.