Reading rates decline in Moldova, with rural areas most affected, experts
The number of Moldovans who read is steadily declining. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), only 8.8% of people engage in this habit, with many reading out of obligation rather than for enjoyment. Experts highlight that the lack of appealing libraries, particularly in rural areas, along with insufficient community support for reading, is a significant factor contributing to decreased interest in books.
Reading should be a priority, as it "extends your lifespan," says Dorina Popovici, a Romanian language teacher and co-founder of the Reading Club.
"In rural areas, very little reading occurs, probably only at school. But how attractive are libraries in rural areas? What is the quality of education in these areas? There are few teachers, many of them are older, and that presents challenges. Families working in the fields often don't have time to read, choosing to focus on other activities instead. It's about priorities—reading should be a priority. However, reading has traditionally been seen as elitist and not for everyone, even though access to books is now widespread," said Dorina Popovici on the "Bună Dimineața" show on Moldova 1.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), women in the Republic of Moldova read more than men. This disparity arises because most women work in social fields, including education, and girls are more likely to engage with literature.
"This is still a tradition related to personal development and competence. Girls have always been more inclined to explore their psychological worlds, and where do they turn? They turn to books! Men do read as well, but it often depends on their reading choices. The fields of competence in which women are active influence this—girls enjoy playful activities, and reading can be a playful experience. Girls tend to mature earlier and, as a result, seek to understand themselves better through reading. While some boys may take longer to develop an interest in reading, I have boys who read, and their reading is both methodical and committed," the specialist said on public television.
In urban areas, reading is more prevalent due to greater access to books "everywhere."
"Living in Chisinau, we have bookstores and libraries, so I don't see family dynamics as the root of the problem. I think we need to look at what communities, particularly villages, offer. I dream of living in the countryside with a library that hosts various activities for the elderly, reading clubs organized by interest and field—designed to be attractive so that people want to participate. Unfortunately, when you visit rural libraries, they appear neglected and outdated. For example, they might have a scratched door, the librarian may be overburdened with other tasks, or, worse, there may not even be a qualified librarian. It's sad and reflects a reality that needs to be addressed. I believe that state policy should enact real changes rather than just offering empty words. There should be real action," pointed out Dorina Popovici.
Compared with 2012, the number of people reading in their free time has decreased by 2.3%, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. In 2012, just over 11% of Moldovans read on a typical day, but by 2025, that number is projected to drop to approximately 9%. In contrast, the average reading time has increased from about 1 hour to about 1 hour and 18 minutes per day.
The most active readers are young people aged 15 to 24. In this demographic, 15.7% read daily, spending an average of 1.3 hours reading each day.
In the Republic of Moldova, around 2,400 book titles are printed annually. A historical high was recorded in 2006, when over 2,850 titles were published.
