Millennials & Gen Z Visit Libraries at Exceptional Rates Beyond Any Previous Generation

In the past couple of years, an interesting phenomenon has spread across the United States: Millennials and Gen Z are visiting libraries at unprecedented rates. In fact, as stated by the American Library Association, Millennials and Gen Z now hold the title for being the most frequent visitors of libraries.

This may be striking to some people, considering the de-emphasis in reading for enjoyment since the advent of the internet. However, while fictional literature and other forms of recreational reading may have decreased in prominence, it must be noted that libraries have become increasingly flexible in their range of utilities. Numerous people visit libraries to pass the time in a quiet place, entertain themselves with social media, study, or other activities.

When interviewing Mr. Nola, ranked 2021-2022 Librarian of the Year in Nassau County, he was in mutual agreement with the idea that there have been new streams of Millennials and Gen Z flooding into libraries. He attributes this phenomenon to the fact that “libraries have adapted to become more than studying and reading”. Furthermore, he states that libraries feature additional activities. They offer board games, serve as a friendly environment, and in some cases, even have video games.

When Mr. Mirsky, a veteran librarian at Sewanhaka High School, was questioned on this matter, he responded by saying “...there has absolutely been an increase in students who come to the library over the years.” Interestingly, he describes libraries as a “third-place”, a term coined to define a place fulfilling academic and social purposes. He extends this viewpoint by explaining that the complementary academic and social nature of libraries result in students who come to do work, hang out with friends, or possibly both. 

Ultimately, in the past couple of years, the amount of Millennial and Gen Z visitors in libraries have risen at unheard of rates, surpassing any other generation. Through the statements of Mr. Nola and Mr. Mirsky, it can be reasoned that this is mostly a result of libraries serving as a social space, while also offering a plethora of activities. In future time, the amount of Millennial and Gen Z visitors will only continue to grow and exceed past rates, unless Gen Alpha decides to contest the podium. Until then, we will just have to wait, and perhaps pass time in a library!