Children’s Access to Reading Materials Relative to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Preferred Formats and Resources

Abstract

This survey of parents (N = 260) investigated children’s access to library materials prior to (T 1), during (T 2), and predicted after (T 3) the COVID-19 pandemic. Preferred formats and resources used to access reading materials were compared by demographic and other factors. Results demonstrate substantial changes in access to print books and ebooks during the pandemic and overall increase in access to audiobooks; supersubstantial change in access to print books from libraries and retailers during the pandemic; overall supersubstantial decrease in access to school library books; and substantial increase in access to print books purchased from retailers. Findings suggest that library closures and limited hours during the pandemic may transform children’s preferred formats and resources used to access reading materials.