The end of literacy isn’t here … yet
Preview:
Declining reading habits and weakening literacy skills among students and adults are eroding the foundation of informed citizenship, critical thinking, and cultural memory. The comparison to the Library of Alexandria frames this as a slow loss of accumulated knowledge, driven by screen-based distraction, shrinking attention spans, and reduced emphasis on sustained reading in schools and colleges. Reversing the trend will require renewed investment in libraries, reading instruction, and a broader cultural commitment to the value of deep reading.
Originally published: September 12, 2026
Author: Jim Gash
Position: President
Institution: Pepperdine University
Published by: USA Today