What do millennials read

I really have my parents to thank for my enthusiasm for reading. As a kid, before I could read, my dad read to me every night.

I have nostalgic memories of visiting the public library with my father where there were not only tons of books from which to choose, but there always seemed to be something interesting happening.

My mom preferred going to bookstores. She would cut out the best sellers list from the Sunday paper, start from the top of the list and work her way down. Is reading relevant to Millennials?

According to the most recent Pew Research Center survey I could find, Millennials are reading more than older generations. They are more likely to have read a book over the past year compared to a Baby Boomer and Gen Xer and they read more than my generation Generation X did at the same age.

Respondents were asked which fiction genres they typically read for pleasure. Looking more closely:. Generation X reads across all genres, but does not show a preference for any particular category. Book clubs, both in-person and online, are mostly popular with younger generations. At least 72 percent of respondents said they did not participate in book clubs. Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation are much more likely to meet in a private home, while Millennials are most likely to meet in a library.

That rises to 17 percent among Millennials and 13 percent for Generation Z. Author readings at bookstores, libraries, or other community events are more likely to be attended by Millennials 21 percent and Generation Z 20 percent , compared to six percent for Baby Boomers and seven percent for the Silent Generation.

Of those who did attend an author reading, bookstores were the primary location for Millennials 64 percent , Generation X 67 percent , and Baby Boomers 57 percent. The library is the second most common spot, tying for first place among the youngest and oldest respondents; Generation Z is equally likely to have attended a reading at a bookstore or library.

Nearly 40 percent of Generation Z and Millennials, the most racially diverse generations, feel that it is important or very important, compared to about 22 percent for Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation.

Millennials 22 percent are most inclined to think it is very important. Baby Boomers 41 percent and the Silent Generation 42 percent are most likely to say it is not at all important. Those who said it is at least somewhat important to read books that reflect their background, values, or identity were also asked if they have a hard time finding such books. Generation Z was most likely to answer yes 7. Generation X was the most likely to say no 94 percent , with only 5 percent unsure how to answer.

Interestingly, while only two percent of Baby Boomers answer yes, almost four percent of the Silent Generation said yes, perhaps indicating a dearth of books reflecting the experiences of older readers. Baby Boomers and Silent Generation readers are less interested, at percent. Importantly, there is reason to celebrate that all generations still make reading, and libraries, a priority.

The survey instrument was developed by LJ with input from sponsors. The survey was hosted by, and respondents were recruited by, an independent market research firm in May The data was tabulated by Library Journal research.

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Hopefully, after reading this information new insights into the reading habits of millennials were discovered. The original post can be found here. Make sure to also check out the post on reading habits from around the world , which also provides interesting information in an easy to read infographic.

Want more insights from libraries across the world? Stay tuned for our weekly posts and read the latest developments in libraries from around the world. Find us on Facebook and Twitter and sign up to our blog to receive new library insights directly to your e-mail. Libraries are great and trustworthy sources of knowledge, and most of the time, part of the backbone of our communities. Their existence [ A library is the first place you get to experience the sweetest joys of reading.

Growing up my weekly visit to the [