The report released by ALA found that 54% of Gen Z and Millennials visited a physical library in the past year. 52% said they borrowed from library digital collections.
A new report by the American Library Association (ALA) reveals that Gen Z and Millennials are using public libraries more frequently than older generations.
The report, entitled Gen Z and Millennials: How They Use Public Libraries and Identify Through Media Use, compares reading habits, the consumption of books, and the use of libraries by two generations: Gen Z (aged 13–25) and Millennials (aged 26–40).
The data was collected during a survey conducted in March 2023 among 2075 Gen Z and Millennials. 57% of the respondents identify themselves as readers, 53% as gamers, and 52% as fans.
Dr. Kathi Inman Berens and Dr. Rachel Noorda, the authors of the report, said that Gen Z and Millennials “are gamers, readers, writers, and fans who are comfortable with malleability between media categories and forms.”
The major conclusion of the report is that 54% of Gen Z and Millennials visited a physical library within a twelve-month period. It’s worth highlighting that libraries attract even those who don’t identify as readers – 23% of Gen Z and Millennials visited a physical library in the last year.
Black (58%) and Latinx (57%) library patrons are more likely to use digital collections more than the general survey population (52%).
Subscription-based and mobile-exclusive services are particularly popular with Gen Z and Millennials. For instance, 30% of Gen Z and 38% of Millennials subscribe to Audible.
In conclusion, the new report from the ALA shows that Gen Z and Millennials are embracing libraries and their services. Libraries are providing resources that are relevant to younger generations, and they are attracting non-readers through programming and a focus on community needs.
You can download the full report as a pdf file from here.
Gen Z vs. Millennials – library use
Over 50% of Gen Z and Millennials visit a physical library. More Millennials than Gen Zers use digital services offered by libraries. Much more Gen Z users are deterred by long hold lines at the library than Millennials.
Gen Z vs. Millennials – books bought per month
On average, Gen Z and Millennials buy 1 ebook, 1 audiobook, and 2 print books per month, with print books being particularly popular among the Gen Zers. In general, Gen Z users buy and read more than Millennials in all formats.
Gen Z vs. Millennials – books read per month
On average, Gen Z and Millennials buy 1.5 ebooks, 1 audiobook, and 2 print books per month. Age negatively correlates with the number of books read per month: the younger the users are, the more books they read. It applies to all formats: ebooks, audiobooks, and print books.
Gen Z and Millennials – books read in the last 12 months
Among Gen Z and Millennials, the top four most read modes in the last 12 months were digital (text messages, email, social media, and websites). Print books take the 5th place. Ebooks and audiobooks are further down the list.
Gen Z and Millennials – book discovery tools
In general, Gen Z and Millennials prefer to discover books based on recommendations from friends (No. 1), family (No. 3), as well as talent and influencers. Streaming TV/movies is the No. 2 preferred way to discover new books to read.
Source: Gen Z & Millennials are visiting the library & prefer print books – ALA News
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