In a world where everything is digital, there is a surprising shift among Generation Z. Against expectations, they favor physical books over digital ones, leading to a resurgence in the popularity of libraries. 

A Break From Digital Dominance

In an age where screens seem to rule, Gen Z is breaking away from the norm. In 2023, 669 million physical books were sold in the UK, and Gen Z is a significant driver behind this resurgence.

Research from Nielsen BookData revealed a noteworthy trend: 80% of Gen Z's book purchases from November 2021 to 2022 were physical books. Libraries are also witnessing a surge in Gen Z visitors, with in-person visits up by a whopping 71%.

A World Economic Forum report suggested that Gen Z read more than other generations. Compared with three-quarters of those aged 30-49, 83% of US adults between 18 and 29 report reading regularly. Gen Z has also aided a publishing resurgence.

A 2022 ALA survey showed that Gen Z and Millennials aged 13 to 40 frequent public libraries more than older Americans. Surprisingly, 54% of these younger folks visited a physical library in the last 12 months, Interestingly, not all respondents consider themselves avid readers.

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A notable example is 22-year-old model Kaia Gerber, who recently launched her book club called Library Science. Far from just a trendy name, this club is becoming a haven for sharing books, featuring new writers, and hosting discussions with admired artists. It is all about building a community that shares Gerber's excitement for literature.

In contrast to popular belief that youth are exclusively drawn to the newest releases, Gen Z enjoys a wide variety of genres, including classics, literary fiction, romance, and fantasy.

Literary Trends and Reshaping Perceptions

Within the Gen Z reading community, an interesting subculture is emerging around 'hot girl books' or 'sad girl books.' These often touch on themes related to girlhood or womanhood, expanding the variety of voices being heard.

Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Harry Styles are becoming unofficial ambassadors for various book clubs. Their publicized reading choices, often tackling profound themes, contribute to the popularity of books exploring complex topics like grief, anxiety, and societal issues.

Platforms like Booktok have played a significant role in transforming occasional readers into avid book enthusiasts. While the younger generation is still keen on reading, their preferences and genres differ from older generations. Interestingly, reading habits within each generation tend to be quite similar.

While Gen Z is drawn to genres that escape reality, they also set higher standards. They seek well-informed and authoritative voices on various subjects in a digital noise landscape.

The rise of online discussions labeling reading as performative has yet to deter Gen Z. Advocates argue that book clubs and shared reading experiences, even when publicized online, encourage more people to dive into the world of literature.

Despite the noise and debates, Gen Z's shift toward physical books reshapes perceptions. The growing interest in literature, led by this younger generation, is a testament to the enduring appeal of tangible books in our increasingly digital age. As libraries witness a revival, we might witness a more engaged and diverse generation of readers breaking free from stereotypes and celebrating the timeless allure of books.

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