Libraries offer abundant peace, which Gen Z and Millennials crave in this noisy world. Almost all of them, about 92%, use social media every day. As surprising as it may sound, 25% of them check it several times each hour.
But, in the same study that looked at people across the country, we also learned that many young folks from Generation Z and millennials still go to the library quite a bit. In 2022, 54% of them went to their local library.
However, an unexpected love story has blossomed between Generation Z and millennials and their local libraries. Contrary to popular belief, these tech-savvy generations are rekindling their romance with the timeless charm of libraries. The following are the reasons for this love affair.
Escape from the digital world
These generations look for a traditional escape from constant notifications. Libraries provide a good way to relax the mind and also help in increasing concentration. Quite cozy corners of the library offer a place to rewind and solitude.
Libraries provide a physical escape from the digital noise, allowing these generations to immerse themselves in the tactile joy of flipping through real pages. Moreover, print books give another attraction and are a brilliant form of storytelling.
Not just a place for reading
Libraries are not just shelves of books; they are vibrant community hubs. Gen Z and millennials, known for their desire for connection and social activism, find a sense of belonging in these spaces. Both introverts and extroverts can enjoy a space like this.
A study discovered that in 2022, 64% of Black Gen Zers and millennials went to actual libraries, which is 10 points more than most people. At the same time, Asian and Latino Gen Zers and millennials were more likely than most people to say they liked finding new books by looking through the library shelves.
From book clubs and author talks to community events and workshops, libraries foster a sense of community. The shared love for literature becomes a bonding agent, creating meaningful connections beyond the virtual world. In an age of online interactions, libraries offer a physical space for genuine human connection.
Opportunity to learn
Whether researching for academic reasons or pursuing personal interests, these generations recognize the economic value of libraries’ free, accessible wealth of information. For Gen Z and millennials, personal interests often range from exploring creative hobbies like photography, writing, and graphic design to enhancing digital skills through coding or software tutorials. Many also use libraries as spaces to discover literature, dive into history, or access resources for personal development, such as mindfulness or career-building workshops.
However, one pressing interest for many is tackling the burden of student loans. Libraries often house resources that can help with student loans, such as financial literacy programs, workshops on loan consolidation, and access to experts who can provide guidance. By leveraging these resources, these generations aim to make informed financial decisions and ease the stress associated with their debt, demonstrating how libraries remain pivotal in addressing modern challenges.”
Libraries are more than just book homes. You can make podcasts, music, craft with pals, or play video games. Quiet spots with free Wi-Fi are great for students or remote workers. Gen Z and millennials love libraries’ sharing spirit and ad-free zones, a break from commercial stuff. There are no fees, except if you keep books late, and no snoopy cookies tracking and selling your actions. Knowledge is power, and libraries understand this very well.
Navkiran Dhaliwal is a seasoned content writer with 10+ years of experience. When she's not writing, she can be found cooking up a storm or spending time with her dog, Rain.
