The statistics showing that Malta is on the bottom rung of the reading scale in the European Union is something that should shame the country.

The latest Eurobarometer survey showed that more than half the population – 54 per cent – said that they had not read one book in the preceding 12 months, the survey having been held in February and March last year.

The EU average is 28 per cent, and this practically means that, in Malta, the number of people who do not read one book per year is double that across the whole of Europe.

Other statistics that should be of concern are that 75 per cent of the respondents said they never visited a public library during the reference period. In contrast, 39 per cent of Danish people visited a public library at least five times in the preceding year.

The number of people who are members of public libraries has also dropped over the past years, and this in spite of efforts made by a number of local councils to have public libraries in their locality. It could be that there is not enough promotion being made to attract more people to make use of such services, or that the type of books on offer is not that appealing.

But, on the whole, these results should be of concern to all of us.

We cannot use the excuse that we are too busy with other things in life to pick up a book. Life is moving fast for all people in Europe and still they find enough time to read at least one book per year.

We cannot use the excuse that the television and computer take up much of our free time. The television and the computer exist in all other European countries and they still find the time to read.

There are so many reasons as to why books should be read. For one thing, reading a book opens up one’s imagination and creativity. A book can increase one’s knowledge and give new ideas. A book can simply be a means of entertainment.

And, reading articles on the computer or a magazine does not substitute reading a book.

People say they do not have the time to read. Well, what about doing so when one is waiting in the queue at the bank or for your turn at the hairdresser’s? What about taking a book with you to the beach and spend just 30 minutes reading it instead of gossiping? And how about reading a chapter while waiting for your son or daughter to finish football or dance lessons?

And this takes us to the younger generations. Today’s children have so many things to do in their spare time that unfortunately the situation with regards to reading can only get worse. Well, they should be finding time to read just as much as they find time to watch TV, chat via computer, listen to music and play with their electronic games. Spending 20 to 30 minutes reading, perhaps even before they sleep, will enable children to open up their mind to literature and learn new words that they can also use in their schoolwork.

Adults have to be the first to give a good example. If they keep a book on their bedside table – and read it – they will be transmitting a positive message to their children. If they carry a book around with them to read a page or two when they have time to spare, they will be showing their youngsters how important reading is to them.

Books can be the perfect company. They don’t shut down unexpectedly, they don’t need electricity or batteries and they don’t need to be serviced. And they take up little space.

Come on, pick one up.