Today I have the results from an important survey that asks key questions of American readers 2x a year for the past 6 years. This is one of the most useful documents you can read to both understand your patrons and serve them better. I have all the links and key finding summaries you need in one place today. Please take the time to look through this information. I promise it is worth your time.
Since April 2019, the Freckle Project has been asking a key question of American readers: "Where did you get that book". Through a series of public-facing surveys, project lead Tim Coates has been able to track the habits of reading - and the evolution of format changes - before, during, and after the COVID pandemic. Public libraries are deeply impacted by changes in reading habits, format preferences, and choices about where and how people acquire their next book, ebook, or audiobook.
The EveryLibrary Institute has been supporting the research behind the semi-annual consumer surveys and is proud to help make this research more accessible to library leaders.
You can use this link on the EveryLibrary Institute's website to not only see the current report, but to also see every report going back to 2019.
Also, Infodocket has this summary of the key findings:
The Freckle Project today announces the release of the 2025 Freckle Report, the ninth installment in the ongoing “Where Did You Get That Book?” survey series. This latest report provides an in-depth analysis of American reading behaviors, highlighting significant shifts in format preferences and book acquisition methods, particularly in the post-pandemic era.
Since its inception in April 2019, the Freckle Project, led by Principal Investigator Tim Coates, has been dedicated to understanding where and how Americans obtain their reading materials. Through semi-annual public-facing surveys, the project has tracked the evolution of reading habits, offering valuable insights into the changing landscape of book consumption.
The May 2025 report integrates findings from an April 2025 survey of American reading habits and includes the latest data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for 2022. Key highlights from the report reveal a continued rise in digital borrowing, a growing preference for nonfiction and backlist titles, and the critical role of public libraries in adapting to these trends.
Since 2019, the Freckle Project has been asking American readers a key question: “Where did you get that book?” Each semi-annual survey provides insight into reading habits, format preferences, and the role of libraries in book discovery and circulation. The 2025 report, compiled by Tim Coates with support from the EveryLibrary Institute, integrates findings from the April 2025 survey and includes comparative data from prior years to analyze long-term trends in library use and collection management.
Key Findings in April 2025
76% of Library Use is for Books and Reading
Since the first survey in 2019, the overwhelming reason people visit libraries is for books, either to read, borrow, or use them in some way.
Nearly Half of Library Circulation is Digital
Digital eBooks and audiobooks have continued to gain in usage, reaching a combined 45% in 2025. Compared to just 8% in 2015, this represents a seismic shift in format preferences over the past decade.
Insufficient Non-Fiction and Backlist Titles
Analysis shows that libraries’ collections are skewed toward recent frontlist fiction, leaving significant gaps in nonfiction and older titles. This mismatch persists year after year.
Library In-person Visits Have Dropped Since 2011
Despite digital borrowing growth, physical visits to libraries have not recovered post-COVID. The decline began pre-pandemic and remains a critical challenge.
To delve deeper into the findings, the EveryLibrary Institute, a collaborator on the survey and dissemination of the findings, hosted a comprehensive webinar featuring Tim Coates, where he discusses the survey results and their implications for library services nationwide.
Access the May 2025 Freckle Report Resources:
- Webinar Recording: Watch an in-depth discussion with Tim Coates
- Presentation Slides: Download the April 2025 survey slides
- Purchase a Print Copy of the 2025 Report
- Full Report Archive: Explore all Freckle Project surveys and reports
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