Nizhny Novgorod's Book Lovers Embrace Digital, Fantasy Tops Genres
Book enthusiasts in the Nizhny Novgorod region have been turning pages at a faster pace, with an average increase of 13% in book consumption. The region's readers have shown a strong preference for fantasy, romance, and science fiction genres. However, paper book sales have seen a dip of 8% in the first eight months of 2025.
The shift in reading habits is evident in the growing popularity of audiobooks, which have seen a 15% increase in demand, surpassing e-books. The share of e-books has also risen, from 27% to 33% of the market. This trend is particularly notable among residents with average incomes, who have been the most active e-book buyers. Conversely, high-income residents, earning over 400,000 rubles per month, have shown the least interest in electronic publications, with a mere 2% participation share.
The average online book purchase in the Nizhny Novgorod region costs 345 rubles, significantly lower than the 615 rubles spent in regular stores. This affordability may contribute to the increasing trend of online book buying. The operators of online libraries, including volunteer-managed projects like Project Gutenberg and the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation, along with support from partner libraries and institutions, have played a crucial role in facilitating this shift.
The Nizhny Novgorod region's reading scene is evolving, with a significant increase in book consumption and a shift towards digital formats. While paper book sales have decreased, the popularity of audiobooks and e-books has surged, driven by affordability and accessibility. The region's readers continue to embrace diverse genres, with fantasy, romance, and science fiction leading the pack.
