What first comes to mind when you hear the word “library”? Is it dusty old books, a certain nostalgic smell or perhaps the slow computers that make ungodly sounds while trying to load up websites? Luckily, for many libraries, these are all distant memories as they are equipped with the newest technologies, comfy chairs for reading a large selection of books on any topic and even fun events where people can socialize and pick up a new skill. It is no wonder that libraries are becoming the new “it” place amongst millennials and Gen Z.
Libraries are becoming the new “it” places among millennials and Gen Z
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Growing up, libraries were a place to go to write assignments or study in peace. Nowadays, any information is accessible in an instant via the phone or a laptop. No longer do people have to wait to get that one copy of a pretty obscure book because someone who borrowed it still hasn’t finished it. With next-day delivery, options for physical books or an instant purchase of e-books, the fast-paced world reminds us that we can get anything anytime (as long as we are willing to pay).
However, there is a certain charm in this whole process of walking around countless shelves of books – some of them brand new and shiny while others have covers that are barely holding on – and picking up an extra one just to spice things up. Even the waiting has something romantic to it – imagining who else in the world would love to read the same stories as we do, thinking how they would interpret certain details. It is as if there is some strange connection, an invisible string uniting us with a complete stranger who happened to love the same book.
So, perhaps this romanticism is the reason behind the growing numbers of millennials and Gen Z owning a library card. American Library Association research shared that public libraries are experiencing a certain renaissance among young adults.
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Young adults are rediscovering the joy of visiting public libraries – and they are not just for the bookworms
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“Great news: Younger generations of people are reading books, buying books and visiting libraries. Not only are Gen Z and millennials engaging with books, but they are also engaging with other forms of media. They are gamers, readers, writers and fans who are comfortable with malleability between media categories and forms,” shared Rachel Noorda, a researcher at Portland State University.
And now libraries aren’t just about the books. While reading can be a fun pastime, many people find it challenging, especially if they weren’t into books while growing up. However, it doesn’t stop people from coming to the library. It has become a safe space where people can find peace and quiet, a haven from a hustling and bustling world. For those who aren’t keen on silent zones, libraries often offer spaces where young people can socialize, play games, and even play music.
“We traditionally think of libraries as very quiet and parts of them are, but what we observed watching Gen Z in libraries is that there are some great spaces for teens, big rooms where they can do things like gaming or making their music,” added Ms. Noorda.
Modern libraries offer the latest computers, fast internet and comfy chairs to relax in. Libraries also offer fun events such as arts and crafts nights
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The rise in popularity of libraries is evident on social media. There are hundreds if not thousands of videos with captions such as “Spend a day at the library with me” or “Most Beautiful Libraries In…”. Young adults flock there to experience the beauty of such a seemingly mundane task as picking up books or journaling and writing grocery lists. But then again, the greatest minds who wrote incredible books also needed to buy cat food and toilet paper at some point.
Henry Grey Earls is one of the many netizens who post about their time at the library. The TikToker, who is currently an art student in NYC, posts aesthetically pleasing videos about studying and journaling in the stunning Bryan Park library. It is evident that people love the “vibes” of his videos as they garner millions of views.
“I think people my age are craving something more authentic and looking for something real. What’s more real than books and physical material?” pondered the young creator.
Social media is helping to spread this trend, many young adults romanticizing a place that used to be uncool
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If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard everyone talking about a thing called a “third place”. This term was coined by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg, denoting a place separate from home and work – or school – for gathering and socialization.
Sadly, both millennials and Gen Z are severely lacking said space due to lack of financial resources – people simply cannot afford to pay for classes or catch up with friends with a cup of coffee a few times a month. Suddenly, these generations began understanding the meaning of “we have food at home”. Everything is just so expensive!
Meanwhile, libraries are free! Anika, a volunteer at the Seattle Public Library, noted that coffee shops often get overcrowded and overprice while libraries are open for everybody.
“There’s a lot less pressure to be doing something in the public library. No one’s going to judge you.”
Libraries also provide a free “third place” where people can hang out without having to spend money
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“Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card!” said the classic cartoon Arthur, and this new trend just confirms it
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“There’s this idea of ‘I’ll go to my library and have some great adventure while I’m there,’” shared Abby, a librarian who creates videos on TikTok about her job.
Well, you never know. Maybe you’ll find a friend who is also obsessed with the same things as you are or get a bonus grandpa if you explain to the elderly how to use a computer. Perhaps, you and your future spouse will reach for the same book.
And even if it doesn’t happen today, you’re always guaranteed an adventure once you open a new book.
