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Reading Books

7 Sep 2011

Q. When did you last read a book? (This question was commissioned by Network Ten)

Total Vote Labor Vote Lib/Nat Vote Greens Men Women Age

18-34

Aged

35-54

Aged 55+
In the last week 54% 52% 50% 72% 43% 65% 55% 50% 58%
More than a week ago but in the last month 13% 16% 13% 8% 15% 11% 15% 12% 11%
About one to six months ago 12% 14% 13% 11% 12% 12% 12% 14% 9%
6 months to a year ago 6% 4% 7% 2% 8% 3% 8% 6% 3%
More than a year ago 11% 11% 14% 3% 16% 7% 5% 13% 16%
Don’t know 4% 4% 3% 4% 7% 1% 5% 4% 3%

54% of respondents said they have read a book in that last week, 67% have read within the last month and 29% last read a book more than a month ago.

Women are more frequent readers than men – 65% read a book in the last week compared to 43% of men – and 24% of men have not read a book in the last six months. Those aged 35-54 are less likely to have read a book in the last week that younger or older people.

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