Unlocking the Insights: 2024 Texas Reading Survey Highlights

In August and September 2024, BookSpring conducted its annual Texas Reading Survey to understand family reading habits, book ownership, and school engagement. With 752 responses from parents of children 12 and under, this year’s findings shed light on significant trends, challenges, and opportunities for promoting book access and literacy across Texas. This year, we are grateful for the collaboration of the Greater Austin Reading Coalition for their assistance with this project.  Here’s what we learned and how we can work together to support every family’s reading journey.

Key Findings on Reading Habits

The 2024 survey revealed mixed trends in family reading habits:

Daily Reading Together: While 64% of families reported reading daily with their children in 2022, that figure dipped slightly to 58% in 2024. This shows steady commitment, but there’s room to grow.

Digital Read-Alouds: The popularity of reading aloud using digital devices peaked at 91% in 2023 but dropped to 72% this year. While technology remains a useful tool, it’s clear families are recalibrating their screen time.

Importance of Reading: A concerning decline was noted in parents’ perceptions of reading’s importance. From a near-universal 99% agreement between 2018 and 2020, this number has fallen to 71% since 2021. This shift underscores the need for renewed advocacy and support for reading as a vital part of childhood development.

Book Ownership: A Story of Disparity

Book ownership remains a critical factor for childhood literacy, yet the survey revealed stark disparities:

Only 26% of families reported having at least 20 books at home in 2024 — an improvement from the low of 16% in 2022 but far from the high of 56% seen in previous years.

Graph of number of books in the home by household income

Racial Disparities:

  • Black households led in book ownership, with 45% having 20 or more books.
  • Hispanic households reported 29% with 20+ books.
  • White households lagged behind at 23%.

These gaps highlight the urgent need for equitable access to print books, especially for low-income and underserved communities.

Regional Differences in Book Access

Geography also plays a significant role in book access:

Regional Variations

  • In Travis and Williamson Counties, 39% of families reported having 20 or more books.
  • In other parts of Texas, that number drops to a mere 9%.

This divide emphasizes the importance of targeted efforts to distribute books and promote literacy outside major metropolitan areas.

School Engagement and Communication

Schools play a crucial role in fostering a culture of reading. The survey found:

Most parents felt that schools “often” communicate about reading progress and set clear expectations.
Schools are also doing well at connecting families to community resources, though satisfaction levels varied. Parents who chose not to disclose their ethnicity reported lower satisfaction in this area.

However, parents’ suggestions for improving school support differed by ethnicity:

  • White families recommended reducing screen time.
  • Black families favored introducing reading logs.
  • Hispanic families focused on rewarding reading practices.

Actionable Steps Forward

At BookSpring, these insights fuel our commitment to bridging gaps in literacy. Based on the survey, here are some key recommendations:

Ensure Equitable Book Access: Prioritize distributing print and digital books to low-income families.

Strengthen Community Partnerships: Collaborate with schools, libraries, and local organizations to support literacy programs and family engagement.

Advocate for Reading Culture: Renew efforts to emphasize the value of reading through campaigns, resources, and community events.

We extend our gratitude to the Greater Austin Reading Coalition and United Way for Greater Austin for supporting this survey this year, allowing us to collect a more diverse sample with a better representation of diversity in Travis and Williamson Counties. Compiled this year by Emily Ball Cicchini, PhD., with assistance from Amira Sefidi for data analysis.

Source file:

Combined English & Spanish Responses Survey 2024 (deduped)

The Texas Reading Survey is a cornerstone of BookSpring’s mission to enhance early literacy across Texas, providing vital data on reading trends, attitudes, and behaviors among families. This annual survey informs and refines our programs, allowing us to strategically address the evolving needs of the communities we serve. By highlighting critical areas such as the decline in print book ownership and shifts in reading habits, the survey drives targeted interventions, including increased distribution of books, strengthened partnerships, and renewed efforts to foster a reading culture. It also enables BookSpring to tailor initiatives that promote equitable access to literacy resources, ensuring our efforts are grounded in the real experiences of Texas families. Ultimately, the Texas Reading Survey serves as a dynamic tool, guiding our commitment to launching children into a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Together, we can build a future where every child in Texas has the books, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Unlocking the Insights: 2024 Texas Reading Survey Highlights
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