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Today is National Book Lovers Day, so you are entitled to hear some statistics that will make you feel good about reading:

  • 75 percent of Americans believe those who read regularly are smarter than those who do not.
  • 73 percent feel society would be better off if more people read non-fiction more regularly.
  • 79 percent agree there is no better feeling than learning something new from a book.
  • 70 percent believe that reading could have a positive impact on their careers.
  • 69 percent feel more accomplished after reading.

These are some of the findings in a recent study by reading subscription service Scribd, which commissioned The Harris Poll to better understand how Americans are spending their leisure time.

Even with those heady numbers, more than one-third of Americans wish they could read even more – the second most popular sought-after activity after exercising.

Among the other results:

  • 85 percent of Americans say they believe time spent reading is an investment in themselves and their overall well being.
  • 55 percent say they only need to read 15 minutes a day to feel like they have accomplished something.

And how does reading make the survey base feel?

  • More relaxed (55 percent)
  • More informed (33 percent)
  • Happier (33 percent)
  • Smarter (32 percent)

Even science backs up the health benefits of reading:

  • People who read books for 30 minutes daily lived an average of 23 months longer than non-readers.
  • Stress can be reduced by up to 68 percent after only six minutes of reading.
  • Readers are 21 percent less likely to report feelings of depressions.

So the overriding message: Be smarter, happier, more relaxed, more informed, healthier and have a more positive impact on society by doing one simply thing – picking up a book.

What are you waiting for?

See the full report, along with some helpful graphics, from Scribd.

Genre: Potpourri
BookTrib

BookTrib.com was created as a news source for people who love books, want to find out what’s happening in the book world and love learning about great authors of whom they may not have heard. The site features in-depth interviews, reviews, video discussions, podcasts, even authors writing about other authors. BookTrib.com is a haven for anyone searching for his or her next read or simply addicted to all things book-related. BookTrib.com is produced by Meryl Moss Media, a 25-year-old literary marketing, publicity and social media firm. Visit www.merylmossmedia.com to learn more.

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