This book contains selected findings of a survey of the reading habits of Americans sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the Book Industry Study Group, Incorporated, and discussions of those findings by participants in a seminar sponsored by the same organizations. Various sections of the book contain remarks on the survey report by four representatives of the book and educational communities; the survey report, including a review of previous research, selected references, and highlights of the findings; a discussion of the survey by members of the seminar, emphasizing the state of research, the schools and the teaching of reading, and ways of reaching new readers; and letters written by the participants concerning various points raised in the report and at the seminar. Appendixes present a list of participants and a summary of the American Library Association Gallup Organization Survey. (FL)