20. Younger Americans' Library Habits and Expectations

After reading a study from Pew Internet about the habits and expectations of younger Americans in regards to the library, I am very pleased to have read that library services are still considered to be of importance in our society.  Frankly, the statistics surprised me: the majority of young Americans aged 16-29 still see the library as a place of value; 75% of these youth still read at least one print book in a year; in fact, a higher percentage of our nation's youth use the library when compared to the percentage of the adult population.  Younger Americans expect to see the library services stay current with modern technology: while older Americans tend to stick to more traditional media, younger library users insist upon the importance and availability of digital media.  This results in a marriage of past and present, past and future, leaving libraries room to grow and transition.

I personally have used the library quite a bit in the past year.  I read as often as I am able to find time, usually between classes or during small breaks.  Sometimes I will read for several hours a night.  Generally, I buy my own books (and more often than not, e-books as of recently); however, I have borrowed many books from the library for class.  I, like the youth who participated in the study of library habits and expectations, value the help and expertise of the librarians in locating and recommending books.  I see the library as a peaceful, quiet environment in which to work and study; the presence of a Starbucks in the lobby also provides a place within the library for social gathering.  It seems that American youths see libraries in much the same way: a place to gather, to learn, and to convene and communicate with others.

The article mentions several different ideas for integrating libraries more seamlessly into our communities, many of which I think are wonderful.  Classes on borrowing and using e-readers and e-books will help adults transition into digital media.  Free literacy classes have the potential to help countless Americans into a better life, reduce crime rates, and more.  Providing more comfortable and expansive study areas would bring more people to visit the library.  I can only hope that this generation's interest in the growth of the library passes on to the next.