Engaging Teens to Read for Pleasure

Fast-paced, 21st Century sociological shifts have created a Generation Z of teenagers, otherwise known as the ‘iGen’ who are very different from the X and Y generations.

Driven by technology, these digital-ites are hard researchers, avid gamers, and social media experts with a desire to be entertained on demand. The world of smart technology, gaming consoles, and social media platforms has resulted in today’s teen being predominantly driven by technology and reliant on swift access to information on the go. In the minds of the iGen Google has always existed and wi-fi access is the norm – known to be more independent from an early age, and more driven, alert and even entrepreneurial; but on the contrary, are more self-absorbed, can struggle with face-to-face and real-life social situations, are easily distracted and have declining patience levels.

Barriers to Reading

The increasing use of smart devices and technology has transformed the way today’s young adults think and behave. Two of the biggest shifts are reduced attention span and a lack of ‘patience’ and the ability to wait. Fast access to information on the fly is their expectation, which makes the ability to slowly absorb mass information through reading more challenging. Interest plays a large part in this, but it is keeping them engaged regularly and for longer periods which can be the difficulty. If they are interested in the subject, topic or genre then they may be more likely to read, however when it comes to education and mandatory reading the desire decreases and teens will reach for their devices to learn through technological means such as video and imagery rather than a book. The reading agency published research stating that 31% of adults do not read for pleasure in their free time, and this statistic is as high as 46% for young adults (aged 16 to 24). Even though many secondary schools maintain a focus and momentum on reading for pleasure, statistics significantly reduce to between 17 to 25% for these age groups – averaging less than a quarter of teenagers reading leisurely and in their own time.

Create an environment for reading

As many parents and teachers know, encouraging teenagers to read in the first place can be a battle but how do you maintain interest and build a love for reading once engaged? The learning environment will be one of the biggest engagement tools you’ll have.

Whether a public or school library, the way you present your reading/learning environment will have a huge impact on how interested teens are, how long they spend reading and maintaining a desire that keeps them reading regularly.

• More than 74% of Gen Z spend their free time online

• In the UK Gen Z spends an average of 10.6 hours online every day

• 66% of Gen Z report using more than one internet-connected device at a time

WHY CHOOSE EVERNA™ MODULES FOR TEENAGERS?

Young people often feel much more welcomed and valued when libraries create dedicated spaces for them. WF Education worked with librarians and educators to design corner modules specifically intended to engage teenagers to read for pleasure and improve literacy, by giving them immediate access to

OUR SOLUTIONS ARE BASED ON 3 PRINCIPLES:

Perfect combinations of face-up and browser display

Add comfortable seating within easy reach

Create a dedicated space where teens can take ownership materials and somewhere comfortable to read – whilst giving custodians choice and speed of selection and installation.

We have created “turnkey” solutions, designed to encourage young people to read for pleasure and develop a taste for reading.

Encourage Spontaneous Reading

Optimise engagement and stimulate browsing by increasing the number of display options. It focuses on providing immediate access to teens favourite literature and allows you to highlight authors and genres by showcasing the covers of books on sloped display shelves.

Create A Cosy Environment

Offer a balance between book presentation and cosy seating nooks to curl up in, where teenagers are tempted to stay, immerse themselves in a book, magazine or graphic novel and read for pleasure. Our integrated dens are designed to draw teenagers into the space. Add other elements of loose seating such as bean bags and cushions.

Enhance Their Experience

Your feedback highlighted the difficulty in appealing to different audiences within your library space. Teenagers preferred visiting the library when they were given a dedicated corner, where they can feel autonomous. If teenagers feel welcome and comfortable, they will stay longer and return more often.

“We use them in our library and every break time students are to be found snuggled up with a book. They have worked particularly well as they provide a comfortable place to browse for those students who are less motivated readers.!”

Laura Ballantye, Subject Leader for Literacy, Beccles Free School