A report published by the Jean Jaurès Foundation, titled The Republic of Readers, To Put an End to the Death of the Book, challenges the common belief that reading is in decline, especially among young people. The report argues that the supposed drop in reading is not limited to any specific group and is not necessarily caused by digital technology. It cites the 2025 reading barometer from the National Reading Center, which shows that the most significant decline in reading is actually among those aged 50 to 64, and that the trend affects all social groups, including those who have historically read the most. The report highlights that the idea that young people are not reading enough is not new. It dates back to the 1960s, when youth were criticized for preferring music and television over books. It suggests that the digital age is not the cause of this decline but a continuation of a longer trend. The report also points out that the digital revolution has increased the total amount of reading, as measured by the number of words read, which tripled between 1980 and 2008. The report challenges the idea that reading is only about books, noting that the CNL barometer, often used to discuss reading decline, only measures reading of books, including those on screens. It argues that other forms of reading, such as newsletters, emails, and blog posts, are not captured by traditional metrics. The report also acknowledges that 92% of young people engage in writing, suggesting that educational institutions should adapt by incorporating writing workshops and creating a more inclusive approach to literary education. The report proposes several policy measures, such as a tax on AI suppliers, the creation of a literacy fund, and expanding the National Reading Center’s mission. However, it also criticizes some of these ideas for being too technical or not well integrated into the educational system. It discusses the concept of "post-literacy," a term introduced by Marshall McLuhan in 1962 and further developed by Bruce Powe in 1987, which describes a society where reading and writing are widespread but not central to culture, politics, or society. It notes the possible consequences of this shift, including a reduced emphasis on writing in shaping imagination and changes in how people engage politically. The report also critiques the current school system, suggesting that certain teaching methods, such as fluency tests and the "pedagogy of the excerpt," might be contributing to the decline in reading. It calls for rethinking the role of schools in promoting reading and writing skills and for a more comprehensive approach to education that includes digital practices. Finally, the report urges moving beyond sadness about the past and instead taking action to make reading more desirable and accessible, emphasizing the need for a forward-looking approach that embraces the opportunities of the digital age.