In a world dominated by smartphones and screens, a recent survey in the UK has painted a troubling picture for children's reading habits. The NLT's Annual Literacy Survey, released in early 2024, reveals that the number of children who enjoy reading books has hit its lowest point in two decades. The survey, which gathered over 76,000 responses from children aged 5 to 18, underscores a sharp decline in reading frequency, enjoyment, and motivation—raising concerns about a literacy crisis across the country.
But is the situation as dire in Goa?
While the national trend suggests a growing detachment from books, the picture in Goa is more nuanced. Local booksellers and educators have observed varying patterns that reflect a complex relationship between children, books, and technology.
"Less Interest, More Screens"
Roma Singbal, of Singbal Book House, believes that Goan children’s reading habits have fallen sharply. She notes that in schools, children are increasingly relying on digital devices like Kindles and e-readers, which has reduced the demand for physical books. “In the past, students would borrow books from the school library and take them home,” she explains. “Now, the focus has shifted to online reading, and the demand for physical books has certainly dropped.”
Despite this, Singbal points out that certain books, especially popular fiction like Harry Potter, Geronimo Stilton, and works by authors like Agatha Christie, continue to attract interest. However, she adds, most of the buyers are tourists. “Goan children are less inclined to buy books,” she laments. “They are more interested in their mobile phones, which is disappointing.”
"Kids Are Still Buying"
In contrast, Khalil Ahmed, the owner of Broadway Bookstore, offers a different perspective. He reports that children’s books are one of the fastest-moving categories in his shop. “More than fifty percent of our daily sales come from children’s books,” he says. His store boasts a dedicated section for young readers, offering a wide range of titles from Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys to popular self-help books for teenagers.
Ahmed believes that children’s interest in reading is still strong, particularly in Goa. “Goan kids do buy books,” he insists. “It’s not just tourists. We have local children who enjoy reading. And with the rise of home-grown authors like Datta Naik and young writers from local schools, there’s a growing diversity in what’s available.”
The Digital Divide
At Literati Books, a bookstore and café in Panaji, owner Mariola notes that children’s reading is increasingly shifting to digital platforms. “They are either reading online or doing something else entirely,” she says. She attributes this trend to socioeconomic factors: children from larger cities tend to buy books, while those from smaller towns show less interest. “Business for children’s books is pretty poor among the local population,” she admits.
Fluctuating Sales
Asha Rawat of Wisdom Enterprises shares similar concerns. “The only time kids come in is if they have a school project,” she says. “Otherwise, they have little interest in reading. It’s a tough business.”
However, Mario from Bargain Book Hut strikes a more optimistic note. “Business is decent. We still get a good mix of locals and tourists, especially for popular books like Harry Potter and Geronimo Stilton.”