News
September 15, 2025
Column: Tax breaks on books won’t save reading from a slow death
In a series of tax reforms designed to ease the burden on consumers’ wallets, Denmark has made several household essentials cheaper: Electricity, coffee, chocolate, cream puffs and books. OK, so the cream puffs, or Vandbakkelser, may not be strictly necessary....
**Column: Tax breaks on books won’t save reading from a slow death**
Copenhagen, Denmark – In a move aimed at providing much-needed relief to Danish households facing rising costs, the government has implemented a series of tax reforms targeting everyday essentials. Electricity bills are shrinking, the morning coffee is getting a little more affordable, and even those comforting squares of chocolate are now easier on the purse strings. But tucked away amidst the practical necessities, a more culturally significant item has also received a tax break: books.
Alongside the reductions on electricity and coffee, the government has also included books and, perhaps less critically, cream puffs (known locally as *Vandbakkelser*) in the basket of goods subject to lower taxes. While the intention is undoubtedly positive – to encourage reading and make literature more accessible – the question remains whether this tax break will be enough to revitalize a reading culture seemingly facing a slow decline.
The inclusion of books in this package of reforms signals a recognition of their importance in society. By making them cheaper, the government hopes to incentivize more people to pick up a novel, explore a new subject, or simply enjoy the pleasure of reading. However, some critics argue that the problem goes deeper than just affordability.
The challenges facing the literary world are multifaceted. The rise of digital entertainment, the shrinking attention spans fueled by social media, and the ever-increasing demands on people's time all contribute to a decline in reading habits. A small tax break, while welcome, may not be sufficient to overcome these larger societal trends.
While a cheaper book is undoubtedly good news for avid readers and may encourage some to buy an extra title or two, it's unlikely to convert those who have already abandoned reading for other forms of entertainment. The tax break is a band-aid on a wound that requires more comprehensive treatment. Perhaps a focus on promoting reading in schools, supporting local libraries, and fostering a culture that values literature would be more effective in the long run.
The Danish government's heart is in the right place. But saving reading from its perceived "slow death" requires more than just making books a little cheaper. It demands a concerted effort to cultivate a love of reading in the hearts and minds of future generations.
Copenhagen, Denmark – In a move aimed at providing much-needed relief to Danish households facing rising costs, the government has implemented a series of tax reforms targeting everyday essentials. Electricity bills are shrinking, the morning coffee is getting a little more affordable, and even those comforting squares of chocolate are now easier on the purse strings. But tucked away amidst the practical necessities, a more culturally significant item has also received a tax break: books.
Alongside the reductions on electricity and coffee, the government has also included books and, perhaps less critically, cream puffs (known locally as *Vandbakkelser*) in the basket of goods subject to lower taxes. While the intention is undoubtedly positive – to encourage reading and make literature more accessible – the question remains whether this tax break will be enough to revitalize a reading culture seemingly facing a slow decline.
The inclusion of books in this package of reforms signals a recognition of their importance in society. By making them cheaper, the government hopes to incentivize more people to pick up a novel, explore a new subject, or simply enjoy the pleasure of reading. However, some critics argue that the problem goes deeper than just affordability.
The challenges facing the literary world are multifaceted. The rise of digital entertainment, the shrinking attention spans fueled by social media, and the ever-increasing demands on people's time all contribute to a decline in reading habits. A small tax break, while welcome, may not be sufficient to overcome these larger societal trends.
While a cheaper book is undoubtedly good news for avid readers and may encourage some to buy an extra title or two, it's unlikely to convert those who have already abandoned reading for other forms of entertainment. The tax break is a band-aid on a wound that requires more comprehensive treatment. Perhaps a focus on promoting reading in schools, supporting local libraries, and fostering a culture that values literature would be more effective in the long run.
The Danish government's heart is in the right place. But saving reading from its perceived "slow death" requires more than just making books a little cheaper. It demands a concerted effort to cultivate a love of reading in the hearts and minds of future generations.
Category:
Politics