A new reading culture is forming in Ukraine. In 2024, more than three quarters of books read were in Ukrainian, which is 20% more than in 2023. Such data were published by the Ukrainian Book Institute based on the results of a study conducted in September.
What do Ukrainians read?
- 76% of books read are Ukrainian-language editions.
- Only 21% of books are in Russian, and 3% are in other languages.
- The most popular genres remain Ukrainian classics (40%), modern Ukrainian literature, foreign classics and works by modern foreign authors. Young people under the age of 29 are more interested in the works of foreign writers.
Ukrainians are gradually abandoning television in favor of the Internet, and printed books are still the most common reading format. However, there is a growing popularity of e-books and audio books.
The most common reasons for reading were:
- love of literature;
- striving for self-development;
- rest and enjoyment.
Reasons why people don't read include:
- lack of time;
- physical difficulties (for example, poor eyesight);
- lack of desire or need.
While overall reading behavior remains stable, 2024 saw an increase in the number of book buyers. Respondents noted that due to restrictions on the import of Russian publishing products, the market was saturated with quality Ukrainian-language books.
The study also found an increase in the number of children reading books:
- 52% of children read for pleasure (13% more than in 2023).
- The share of children who do not read at all has decreased from 15% to 10%.
Active readers in families where adults also read show greater interest in literature and share their impressions more willingly.
Also, the practice of taking children's opinions into account when buying books is growing, which stimulates their desire to read.
Research methodology
The research was conducted by the survey method:
- among children (6–17 years) — 1,076 respondents;
- among adults (16+ years) — 1,018 respondents.
The survey covered issues of reading habits, spending on books, frequency of visits to libraries and reasons for giving up reading.
The results show that Ukrainians are choosing Ukrainian-language literature more and more often, and this trend is becoming part of a nationwide cultural transformation.
