I have written before about the reality behind the myth that youngsters no longer read. Now, a Pew Research Center survey has the surprising answer to the question, which adult generation is more likely to have visited a public library in the past year: it’s the Millennials. Yes, the same Millennials widely accused of not reading!
A new analysis of Pew Research Center survey data from fall 2016 finds that 53% of Millennials (those ages 18 to 35 at the time) say they used a library or bookmobile in the previous 12 months. That compares with 45% of Gen Xers, 43% of Baby Boomers and 36% of those in the Silent Generation (it is worth noting that the question wording specifically focused on the use of public libraries, not on-campus academic libraries),
All told, 46% of adults ages 18 and older say they used a public library or bookmobile in the previous 12 months – a share that is broadly consistent with Pew Research Center findings in recent years.
Members of the youngest adult generation are also more likely than their elders to have used library websites. About 41% of Millennials used a library website in the past 12 months, compared with 24% of Boomers. In all, 31% of adults used a library website in the past 12 months, which is similar to the percentage that reported using library websites in late 2015.
Other Trends
Beyond demonstrating generational differences in library use and ending the myth that libraries aren’t relevant in the Internet age, the survey showed other demographic differences in library use. Specifically:
- Women are more likely than men to have visited a public library or bookmobile in the past 12 months (54% vs. 39%).
- Women are similarly more likely to use library websites (37% vs. 24%).
- College graduates are more likely than those whose education ended with a high school diploma to use libraries or bookmobiles in the past 12 months (56% vs. 40%). A similar gap applies to use of library websites.
- Parents of minor children are more likely than non-parents to have used a library in the past 12 months (54% vs. 43%).
So, let’s hear it for those kids, women, grads, and parents!
Charles Yallowitz said:
Interesting trends. I’ve heard befit hat women tend to read more than men. Never saw an explanation for it though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicholas C. Rossis said:
If you ask my wife, I’m sure she can provide one. For example, that they’re smarter?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Charles Yallowitz said:
I’m not going there. Just in case my wife returns to blogging at this time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nicholas C. Rossis said:
😀
LikeLike
debyfredericks said:
If I may, it’s that guys tend to have the newer, fancier gadgets, while the women will be “stuck” with analog devices such as books and magazines. That said, my husband has the fancy gadget and he uses it to request books and check out e-books from our local library.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Lol – Electra would surely agree with you, as she tends to get my hand-me-downs in all things electronic 😀
LikeLike
The Story Reading Ape said:
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Darlene said:
I knew it! Not surprised by these findings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Yay 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
drewdog2060drewdog2060 said:
Reblogged this on newauthoronline.
LikeLiked by 1 person
colonialist said:
This makes it a relevant question as to why so many libraries are closing down or losing funding.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nicholas C. Rossis said:
I know. It’s one of the reasons I posted this 🙂
LikeLike
kimwrtr said:
Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
patriciaruthsusan said:
This is great news but libraries still need to be supported or the trend may not continue. —- Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Good point. It’s one of the reasons I posted this 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don Massenzio said:
Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this interesting post from Nicholas Rossis’ bog on the actuality of reading among youngsters
LikeLiked by 1 person
jjspina said:
It’s nice to hear the people are still reading! That’s great! Books are not out of still and I don’t they ever will be. Thanks for sharing, Don, this important information. Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you, Janice! I was just reading in someone’s comment how they saw not one but two youngsters reading on the train 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
jjspina said:
Oops, sorry, meant Nicholas! Saw Don above me and put down his name by mistake. Great post, Nicholas! Hugs to you Nicholas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Well, Don did reblog, so you’re good either way 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Overprotection and making youngsters drifting away – Immanuel Verbondskind – עמנואל קאָווענאַנט קינד