Do Londoners Enjoy Reading? The City’s Diverse Love Affair with Books

By Beatrice Morandi 

When it comes to books, it’s not always the plot that matters, or the character descriptions. For some readers, it’s all about the smell. 

"I like the smell of paper," says Francis Mang, a shopkeeper from West London. She has less time for reading due to her work commitments but prefers the sensory experience of a physical book as opposed to audiobooks or Kindles. 

While buying actual books might be expensive, Mang says she pads out her library with charity shop finds. Her favorite read is ‘Fresh Water for Flowers’ by Valérie Perrin, a romantic novel that’s won her over with its emotionally resonant story.  

Londoners are almost as well-known for their constant immersion in books as they are for their busy lives. On the Tube, in cafés, and in parks, you’ll catch glimpses of readers engrossed in everything from contemporary bestsellers to timeless classics.  

But how and what Londoners read, and what it reveals about them, is a fascinating story of a city's rich literary identity. Some Londoners swipe through e-books on tablets or phones, while others treasure their paperbacks. These details hint at an interesting phenomenon: people’s reading habits are often closely tied to who they are. 

The type of reading materials we choose - fiction, nonfiction, or news - reflects different personality traits. Those who write notes in the margins, for instance, tend to be especially curious and introspective, according to a study from the University of Texas.  

"Entertainment preferences are not determined exclusively by age, gender, or education, but also by psychological dispositions," the study said, suggesting that our choice of books or genres not only reveals aspects of our personalities but can also reinforce them. 

 In London’s eclectic book landscape, preferences are as diverse as the city itself. New customers come in daily to Bard Books, an independent bookstore known for its eclectic selection and vibrant community events in Bow Church.  

The shop’s clientele are a mix of young professionals, local parents, and weekend visitors, with people coming from across the city to participate in events or work in the cozy space, says manager Kristin Griffin, 31.  

"We get new customers in every day, but we also have a strong group of regulars," she explains, noting that the shop’s coffee and wine bar also makes it a lively social hub. 

The physical book is still a cherished item, though audiobooks are increasingly popular as supplements for readers on the go. "All of our customers value the physical book," she says. "But at the same time, a lot of them are also fitting in more reading with audiobooks."  

For Dominic Ren, a 64-year-old retiree from Dalston, reading has become a cherished activity. "I read around 50 books per year," he said, "and I use both paper and Kindle books." Currently, he’s reading ‘The Duino Elegies’ by Rainer Maria Rilke—a mystical, poetic work that reflects his introspective nature. 

 Joe Clarke, a 62-year-old manufacturing engineer from East London, shares a similar love for print and digital books, though his approach is more minimalist. For him, a good read isn’t necessarily about the storyline but "the flow and style of the author’s writing". His favourite book is ‘Wild Houses’ by Colin Barrett, a literary thriller that speaks to his penchant for well-crafted narratives. 

The University of Texas study also suggests that book choices are influenced by gender. Mang’s preference for romance and heartfelt narratives contrasts with Clarke’s taste for thrillers, highlighting a broader trend often observed in readers' choices. However, Griffin points out that in London, people are adventurous in their selections due to the city’s diversity.  

“There is something for everyone here,” she says. “People are more willing to step out of their comfort zones when they feel that anything is acceptable.” 

In London, the pull of independent bookstores like Bard Books goes beyond the books themselves. These spaces offer a sense of curation and personal connection that larger chains may lack. "We have 100% control over which kinds of books we stock," Griffin says, "and our customers know that the titles on our shelves have been thoughtfully chosen."  

While audiobooks continue to gain popularity, Griffin observes that this shift hasn’t affected physical book sales. Instead, audiobooks seem to encourage more reading.  “People are reading more than ever and using audiobooks to read even more,” she says.  

So, do Londoners read more for leisure or for self-improvement? It’s difficult to separate the two, Griffin says. “I’d argue that reading of any kind counts as self-improvement.”