Pew recently put out an infographic showing why people read…. their research was exploring an interest in e-readers. They cite 46% of Americans over 16 as having read an e-book or a long format article online.

•26% of those who had read a book in the past 12 months said that what they enjoyed most was learning, gaining knowledge, and discovering information.
•15% cited the pleasures of escaping reality, becoming immersed in another world, and the enjoyment they got from using their imaginations.
•12% said they liked the entertainment value of reading, the drama of good stories, the suspense of watching a good plot unfold.
•12% said they enjoyed relaxing while reading and having quiet time.
•6% liked the variety of topics they could access via reading and how they could find books that particularly interested them.
•4% said they enjoy finding spiritual enrichment through reading and expanding their worldview.
•3% said they like being mentally challenged by books.
•2% cited the physical properties of books – their feel and smell – as a primary pleasure.
•In their own words, respondents were eloquent and touching. One respondent noted: “I am an English teacher, so I read to save my sanity from grading essays.”