Seventy-six per cent of people prefer to read from a hard copy book versus an ebook or audio, according to a survey marking 30 years of the MS Readathon. Most of Ireland’s readers have their own personal library at home (92%) and read primarily for leisure (95%). 4% read for research.
Almost half of those surveyed visit the public library for the most part to check out a book (76%), while 19% attend events at the library and 5% access the internet or use a computer. At 95%, almost all believe it is highly important for children to form the habit of reading in a world of screens.
There is still time to sign up for the MS Readathon and Multiple Sclerosis Ireland is encouraging schools and home readers to take part in the sponsored reading initiative. The reading month will take place from October 13th to November 13th 2017. Please visit www.msreadathon.ie to find out more.
Felicity Dahl launched the 30th MS Readathon joining MS ambassador, Michelle Hanley, 27, from Cork who is living with MS, and her two children, Abbey and Alex. Felicity’s late husband, Roald Dahl launched the first ever MS Readathon in 1988. She referred to the well-loved author’s words: “Roald once said, 'if you can learn to treat books as your friends when you are young, you will always be able to cope with the tougher [more serious] ones in later life’.”
Reading a book is the number one way to spend down-time for more than half of respondents, followed respectively by watching television at 23%, scrolling through apps on a mobile or tablet at 12%, surfing the web at 11% and lastly, checking emails.
According to the MS Readathon survey, 42% are happy to read anywhere, 38% read in bed, 14% on the couch and 6% read on public transport. 1 in 10 claimed that they would like to read more (12%).
Survey marks 30 years of the sponsored reading initiative for Multiple Sclerosis Ireland proudly supported by Heinz. Thanks to everyone for taking part!