Data from a 2019 survey revealed that 65 percent of adults had read a printed book in the last year, down from 67 percent in the previous year. The share of adults who read print books tends to fluctuate annually, but since 2011 the majority of survey respondents have thus far always reported doing so each year.
Print book sales statistics and consumption habits
Printed books are performing well in the United States demonstrating perhaps surprising but positive growth in terms of unit sales. Print book sales in 2018 amounted to 695 million, the highest figure recorded since 2010.
On a more positive note, a separate survey revealed that U.S. adults were able to list several key benefits to reading physical books. More than 80 percent of respondents said that reading print books helped them to learn about history, focus their attention, or find out about different cultures, and others found reading physical books useful for reducing their stress levels or enhancing their creativity.
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Forbes. (September 27, 2019). Share of adults who have read a print book in the last 12 months in the United States from 2011 to 2019 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 25, 2026, from /statistics/222668/usage-of-printed-books-and-e-books-by-category/
Forbes. "Share of adults who have read a print book in the last 12 months in the United States from 2011 to 2019." Chart. September 27, 2019. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 25, 2026. /statistics/222668/usage-of-printed-books-and-e-books-by-category/
Forbes. (2019). Share of adults who have read a print book in the last 12 months in the United States from 2011 to 2019. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 25, 2026. /statistics/222668/usage-of-printed-books-and-e-books-by-category/
Forbes. "Share of Adults Who Have Read a Print Book in The Last 12 Months in The United States from 2011 to 2019." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 27 Sep 2019, /statistics/222668/usage-of-printed-books-and-e-books-by-category/
Forbes, Share of adults who have read a print book in the last 12 months in the United States from 2011 to 2019 ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/222668/usage-of-printed-books-and-e-books-by-category/ (last visited July 25, 2026)
Share of adults who have read a print book in the last 12 months in the United States from 2011 to 2019 [Graph], Forbes, September 27, 2019. [Online]. Available: /statistics/222668/usage-of-printed-books-and-e-books-by-category/