In 2019, more Americans went to the library than to the movies. Yes, really

guest · Jan 27, 2020

In 2019, more Americans went to the library than to the movies. Yes, really
January 24, 2020
https://lithub.com/in-2019-more-americans-went-to-the-library-than-to-the-movies-yes-really/

The US film industry may have generated revenues somewhere in the region of $40 billion last year, but it seems Hollywood still has plenty of work to do if it wants to compete with that most hallowed of American institutions: the public library.

Yes, according to a recent Gallup poll (the first such survey since 2001), visiting the local library remains by far the most common cultural activity Americans engage in. As reported earlier today by Justin McCarthy:

“Visiting the library remains the most common cultural activity Americans engage in, by far. The average 10.5 trips to the library U.S. adults report taking in 2019 exceeds their participation in eight other common leisure activities. [...] Trips to amusement or theme parks (1.5) and zoos (.9) are the least common activities among this list.”
[...] two of the more interesting (though unsurprising) findings are that women report visiting the library nearly twice as frequently as men do, and that libraries are visited most by adults in low-income households and least by adults in high-income households.
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Gallup: In U.S., Library Visits Outpaced Trips to Movies in 2019

Bottom Line
Despite the proliferation of digital-based activities over the past two decades -- including digital books, podcasts, streaming entertainment services and advanced gaming -- libraries have endured as a place Americans visit nearly monthly on average.

Many factors determine how Americans spend their free time, and financial means is a key factor.
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zapjb · Jan 27, 2020

I'll say it. The increase in library visitation is due in part to the double digit increase in homelessness in the last few years.

Rasheed187 · Feb 1, 2020

zapjb said: ↑

I'll say it. The increase in library visitation is due in part to the double digit increase in homelessness in the last few years.
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Wow, if true this would be very sad. I recently read that the 500 richest people on the planet own 5000 billion dollar. And we still have homeless people and people who can barely avoid food, it's crazy.

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In 2019, more Americans went to the library than to the movies. Yes, really

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In 2019, more Americans went to the library than to the movies. Yes, really

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