How can we stop the decline in reading among children and young people? Are the Reading Rescuers launching another edition of their program?
Over 70% children in grades 1-3 read books, but after the age of 15, only 40-50% teenagers read, according to research by the National Library. This is a time when books compete for young people's time and lose out to new technologies. The Universal Reading Foundation, seeking to help them discover the joy of reading and appreciate the value of literature, runs the "Reading Rescuers" program, which this year runs under the slogan "Course for Reading." The Lajkonik brand has partnered with the initiative for the second time.
Research from the National Library shows that children who are exposed to books at home are much more likely to become readers themselves – as many as 82% continue this habit into adulthood. Meanwhile, in families where books are scarce, the chances of developing the habit of regular reading decrease.
It's also crucial whether parents read to their children – reading aloud and talking about books are considered key factors in a child's development. This is when literature becomes part of everyday life, and reaching for a book becomes a truly good habit, not just a chore at school.
Home, school and library – a shared reading ecosystem
School children and young people most often use books available at home or borrow them from school libraries. Schools and libraries play a crucial role in equalizing opportunities, especially in those places where access to literature is limited at home. According to data from the National Library, as many as 29% Poles do not have a single book at home, and another 8% limit their reading to textbooks.
Statistics also show that children and young people make up approximately 331 TP3T of all public library users. This proves that libraries remain an important link in building a reading culture, especially in primary school. Importantly, research indicates that the decline in reading can be halted if children are exposed to books from an early age – both at home and in schools and libraries. In this way, they learn that reading can be a source of pleasure and joy.
What encourages children to read and what distracts them from books?
The strongest motivation for children to read books is pleasure. Children love fiction, adventure, detective, and fantasy stories, which allow them to take on different roles, test behavioral scenarios in a safe environment, develop creativity, and provide a break from everyday life. Therefore, it's crucial to create a positive atmosphere around books at home and at school, encouraging the development of interests through titles tailored to the child's evolving needs.
However, barriers emerge in the upper grades of primary school and among teenagers. This is when the reading rate drops to around 40–50. Computer games, social media, and streaming services are becoming the main competitors for books. The National Library points out that motivations and barriers are not equally distributed – some young readers find pleasure and development in books, while others lose touch with literature under the influence of new media. That's why it's so important for parents or guardians to read to children regularly – this makes books something they enjoy and need, and reaching for them in later years becomes a natural habit that prevents them from abandoning reading.
Reading Rescuers – how the program works
To address challenges related to, among others, the decline in reading among young people and to strengthen leaders of pro-reading communities, the Universal Reading Foundation runs the "Reading Rescuers" program.
Community members include teachers, librarians, and educators, as well as parents, students, and student volunteers involved in promoting reading. Throughout the school year, they organize events to promote literature in their local communities and schools.
The Foundation provides them with free online training, teaching materials and the opportunity to obtain certificates.
"Building reading habits is incredibly important – both at home and at school. This is the responsibility of teachers, librarians, parents, and guardians, who serve as role models for children. The Reading Rescuers program supports adults in this mission, providing them with knowledge, tools, and a sense of community. A childhood filled with books leaves lasting memories and shapes future readers," says Aleksandra Strzelecka, of the Universal Reading Foundation.
Lajkonik – a partner that supports daily rituals
Lajkonik is joining the program as a partner for the second time. The brand, whose products accompany families every day, supports the promotion of reading and helps reach schools and parents with the campaign.
"We want to encourage simple, everyday rituals: fifteen minutes of reading aloud, choosing a book together at the library, or talking about a favorite character. These are small things that, as research from the National Library shows, translate into lasting reading habits. By supporting the Reading Rescuers, we're contributing to an environment where books are a natural part of childhood," says Monika Pawłowska, Brand Manager at Lorenz Polska.
How to join – recruitment lasts until the end of October
The fifth edition of the program, which runs throughout the entire school year, has launched. Applications from schools and libraries, teachers and librarians, educators, and students are accepted until October 31, 2025, by completing the form on the website: www.ratownicyczytelnictwa.pl
Participation in the program is free of charge, and participants who complete activities in selected areas may receive a Reading Rescue School Certificate or an individual Rescuer Certificate.
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Sources:
- National Library (2025). The state of reading in Poland in 2024. Warsaw: BN.
- National Library (2023). The state of reading in Poland in 2022. Warsaw: BN.
- National Library (2021). The state of reading in Poland in 2020. Warsaw: BN.
- National Library (2019). The state of reading in Poland in 2018. Warsaw: BN.
- National Library (2017). The state of reading in Poland in 2016. Warsaw: BN.
- National Library (2015). The state of reading in Poland in 2014. Warsaw: BN.