How does your library engage GenZ? 
Valerie Smith
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Keep track of online trends
Mariah M.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
social reels and teen oriented programming
David Basora - Manchester, NH
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
reading challenges with gift card prizes
Soleil
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
We have teen programs. I am also Gen Z, hello!
J. Law
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
White board questions/polls!
Lindsay Cummings UDPL
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Board game group
Cantley, KimYesterday, 12:03 PM
Displays
Patrick (he/him)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
I am the teen services librarian and run a lot of programs/ a teen advisory board
Katelyn Boyer (Fergus Falls Public Library)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Lots of Gen Z users for studying at the library
Samantha
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
That is hard area for us to get, but we do take and makes for just them
Colleen K.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Teen DIY programs that focus on trendy crafts
Lorie Lee
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Hello from Mesquite
Cassandra A
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
graphic novels and manga collection
Megan Tucker
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
'trendy' book displays and programs
Valerie Smith
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
books made into movies/shows
Lisa
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Instagram, therapy dogs around exams, white board questions
Jazmine
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
We try to have fandom trivia nights
Sidney Richendollar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Tween and Teen programs as well as social media.
Jess Leach-Carroll
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Instagram reels, whiteboards with fun prompts, and therapy dogs!
Sara Angel
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Lots of passive programs that involve voting or polling
Bradford N.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
D & D
Chelsea
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
manga & anime, passive displays. targeted Instagram posts
Audra Bowling
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
A fully devoted Teen Center complete with programs.
Katie GL (Madison, SD)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
book clubs, teen makerspace cart, programing
Alison O'Meara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
We are struggling with it and having the adults taking over the space despite having many schools in walking distance.
Avery Castellani
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
We have Gen-Z employees (myself included) that try to keep up with what's "popular" in pop culture and plan events/displays around those things
Requil Golbek
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Video games and board/card games
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Trinket trade boxes have become popular in our city, so we did a trinket trade event
Chris S.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Pizza is important!
Rob
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
arts and crafts events
Valerie Smith
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Anime club/ material
Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
teen programs and social media as well as a teen volunteer program
Juli of South Fayette Township Library, Pittsburgh, PA
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Teen bags of loot and books based on themes: Teen Unseen Bags
Alison O'Meara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
managing teen gangs
LaShaunda Rogers
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Displays, Teen Programming, Outreach, Instagram
Requil Golbek
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
plus snacks!
Charles Pane
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
study rooms and public spaces, audiobooks and some board games
Erica
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Mini Service Project programs and Volunteens!
DG
Debbie GlackinYesterday, 12:03 PM
Graphic novels, tween and teen programs, video gaming, book clubs
David Basora - Manchester, NH
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
movie and pizza nights
Deborah A.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Trendy programming
Annabel Wrightsman
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Hello from Seattle!
DM
Dobson, Ms. Tonya M.Yesterday, 12:03 PM
Programming like Magic the Gathering, Game Night, Puzzle Palooza, Classic Movie Night
Sherrie Wallace
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
Various programs & events. Knitting & Crochet Club, Book Clubs, Make & Take Kits
Kyle
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
I have a weekly hot takes question on the white board in our Teen Room
Aisha Washington
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
We have a teen advisory group, and a variety of teen programs and clubs
Ashley Osborne
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
we have school outreach to let kids and teens know that they have fine free library cards thru their student accounts.
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
As a gen z (millennial) I work here...so that's how my library engages (hiring that generation). I think this generation (gen z) gets confused with gen alpha...lots of gen z at this point are well into adulthood and are kind of in this stage of life where they may not be entering the library as often due to work, kids/family, etc. It can be hard to get them in (those in 20s to 30s)
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
can we get a definition of ages for Gen Z? I'm seeing responses that to me say Gen Alpha (teens/tweens) while Gen Z is like, in college by now
Jannell
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
Teen Advisory Group, GN book club, teen volunteers
Khamila Woods
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
Weekly Teen Time -- board games, getting creative with art and writing, creating a new D&D character, open mic, experimenting with STEM activities
Chelsie Russo
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
Nothing at the moment
Carolina T
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
We have a lot of Teen Programs and bulletin boards for younger Gen Z, but nothing specific for the elder Genz in their 20s, just a variety of adult programs.
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
Unfortunately we don't get too much engagement from  that demographic at our Miami-Dade public libraries. 😞
DM
Dobson, Ms. Tonya M.Yesterday, 12:04 PM
Fiber Arts Club, Mario Kart Tournament, No Stress Book Club (pick the genre and come to discuss)
Aisha Washington
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:04 PM
For early 20s, we have mingle type of events for people to be social with each other
Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:05 PM
teen room with teen-exclusive materials such as video games and art materials
William Jones
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:05 PM
Thanks for the clarification!
Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:05 PM
Edited
Gen Z is broad but
I'm the teen librarian, so I only cover up to 18
Melissa
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:05 PM
We're a college library, so most of our student population is Gen Z. We've built up a graphic novel collection and tried a bunch of different kinds of programs, with varying success
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:05 PM
Gen z includes teens for now but also people in the 20s
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:05 PM
yeah I'm the Teen Librarian and theres MASSIVE differences I've seen between teens and 19-25 y.o.
Olivia Mullenax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:06 PM
We host craft programs (a lot of the crafts are trending on tik tok) and board game nights at a cafe across the street from our library. We work a lot with the cafe staff and will have them create custom themed drinks for the programs. Everyone who attends the program gets one free drink
Charles C
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:06 PM
I think it helps that a lot of older Gen Z are still into similar things as Gen Alpha because of the internet
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:06 PM
I agree in terms of how they use social media and the pop culture trends, but access to the library and how they interact with it is the biggest difference I see
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:06 PM
The youngest gen zs are 14, so honestly most of them are adults at this point.
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:06 PM
A lot of our Teens in Rogue River love the arts and crafts programs.
Charli Garcia Hernandez (Library)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:06 PM
I'm a Gen Z library programmer, and my arts and spanish book club tend to have a mix of ages
Anne OsborneYesterday, 12:09 PM
what was the name of the journal again?
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:09 PM
How Gen Z Discover & Consume Books Cambridge UP 2026
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:10 PM
oops nevermind wrong thought
WebJunction WebinarsYesterday, 12:09 PM

The slides can be accessed here: https://www.webjunction.org/content/dam/WebJunction/Documents/slides-How-GenZ-Use-Public-Libraries.pdf
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:09 PM
The New Americanist
"Differences between reading identity and reading behavior" is the subject of that 2024 article. 
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:10 PM
i'm curious about how Gen Z sees podcasts: do they consider them reading? audiobooks count, and we've been saying that for ages, but do they identify that as reading at all?
Alex Ehrhardt
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:12 PM
My intuition is that there's a difference between more scripted podcasts (like audio dramas) and fully live ones.
Katie Aldrich
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:10 PM
Could you repeat which was the #1 preferred way to discover books?
Lindsay Laren
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:10 PM
recommendations from family and friends!
Jannell
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:10 PM
Family & friends
Katie Aldrich
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:10 PM
Thanks! :)
Julia Fabian
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:10 PM
friends and family recommendations!
Sara Cooper
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:10 PM
Print books don't have ads, which is another huge plus in their favor
Sidney Richendollar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:10 PM
I believe preferred way to discover books was librarian recommendations
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:11 PM
There has been a lot of conversation with gen-z and how they are preferring more analog experiences (film photography, etc) so the preference for physical books makes sense
Tess F
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:12 PM
And physical media with so many series being relegated to streaming services and then taken off with no warning - that doesn't happen with physical media, you own it in perpetuity
Jennifer
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:11 PM
Thank you so much for the pushback; it's so harmful for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Anne OsborneYesterday, 12:11 PM
Edited
 what qualifies as reading  to GENZ them?
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:11 PM
Yes!
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:11 PM
GenZ are definitely more varied as readers, which I kind of appreciate. They are more likely to read print, but if not available, they're open to Hoopla and Libby ebooks
WebJunction WebinarsYesterday, 12:11 PM

https://theconversation.com/what-the-panic-over-gen-zs-reading-habits-gets-wrong-288338
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:11 PM
I think with the rise of romantasy and spicy reads that got picked up to create social media trends like BookTok and Bookstagram there's been discussion of the quality of books and if that counts as a "literate society".
Addy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:13 PM
I think gatekeeping in that way specifically does a lot of harm. Even if people are only reading romance or smut, they still improve focus and vocabulary if you're reading a lot of it.
Shannon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:13 PM
did you notice/measure for any differences in library use/visits by demographic groups within GenZ?
Rachel Noorda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:14 PM
Yes! We'll talk a little bit about Black Gen Z in this presentation, but we did look at differences based on gender and race.
Liz Williams-Murphy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:13 PM
Recent studies show graphic novels match or surpass reading comprehension in Gen Z.
David Basora - Manchester, NH
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:14 PM
I think it is worth noting that a lot of reading can be done through newsfeeds, as well, which is where a lot of journalism is happening, now.
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:15 PM
Definitely true since most of Gen Z (both older and younger) are getting their news and events through social media journalism more than traditional news outlets.
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:14 PM
I hear parents all the time telling their kids to pick out a "real book" and that manga/graphic novels don't count.
Elaine
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:15 PM
I still hear that at my public library where I work...it seems like when parents see any sort of illustrations/pictures, they think it's a "low level" for their kids to read
Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:18 PM
Which is wild because they can be 'gateway' books to the kind their parents would want them to read. Plus, the vocabulary used in graphic novels is often higher than in non-graphic novels aimed at the same audience because the reader can use visual literacy to help decode meanings
Jess Barnes
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:14 PM
I may be a millennial but I still log all of my manga and graphic novels even though, I too struggle with calling it reading
Ashley Osborne
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:14 PM
As a genz myself, I think that book clubs are a great draw for people who want to engage more with text and discuss it with others. I wish libby had the ability to let readers leave comments on ebooks.
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:15 PM
Gen Z is definitely wanting a sense of community and third people spaces that cultivate that sense of community since there's not a lot of opportunities anymore
Alex Ehrhardt
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:14 PM
I'm a millenial with a number of young adult Gen Z friends, and the social element is borne out--one of them hosts a book club where you bring a book of your choice, read it, and report back at the end of the hour.
Sidney Richendollar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:15 PM
our library system has several book clubs that follow that structure. Sometimes they will choose one author and everyone will select a different work by them as well.
KB
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:16 PM
I love that! I've heard that Gen Z (or maybe it was Alpha) prefers customizable experiences. Do you think that plays a role? I would definitely have more buy-in if I could choose the book!
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:17 PM
I looked up the Census data on social media and it was FASCINATING to look at the different generations using different media. Facebook for Gen Z and Gen Alpha is little, with Instagram being more Millennail and Gen Z, and TikTok being more Gen Z and Gen Alpha
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:17 PM
...I feel a little called out and I'm a millennial
Alex Ehrhardt
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:17 PM
I would definitely consider graphic novels reading.  A lot of them are light entertainment, a lot aren't, but reading a graphic narrative is its own form of literacy, and is different from just looking at visual art.  Our youth services department are big advocates for them as stepping stones for reluctant readers, as well as pleasure reading in their own right.
Valerie Shiba-Silverman
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:19 PM
oh, for sure. there have been many award winning graphic novels that tell compelling and meaningful stories
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:20 PM
I believe there's also a study that shows they give a confidence boost to kids with dyslexia. They don't have to fight as hard to read  with graphic novels.
Anne OsborneYesterday, 12:18 PM
This is my 16 year old son
Charli Garcia Hernandez (Library)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:18 PM
I recently went to my settings to limit my social media usage to 2 hours bc my Gen Z brain has suffered in attention span lolol
Sidney Richendollar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:19 PM
I also recently set screen time limits on my own social media. I am GenZ as well..1999.
Soleil
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:18 PM
Fun thing about Graphic Novels: Because a lot of descriptions are covered by visual art, it's found they tend to use more advanced vocabularies and concepts.
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:18 PM
I've seen that video! I love book accounts on YouTube. I learn about series I never would've.
Addy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:19 PM
I use BookTok for collection development all the time.
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:19 PM
The publishers are just creating and capitalizing over consumption and releasing (or intentionally not releasing certain editions or changing editions as infamously done by Bloomsbury recently with the upcoming Sara J Maas books) that's creating a lot of interesting animosity of book publishing.
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:20 PM
urghhhh i hear that, i popped into the new B&N that opened in my neighborhood (where we already have like 5 indie bookstores!) and the whole thing was chock-a-block full of the fancy aesthetic painted pages collectors books
Kathryn A
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
My least favorite thing personally is the different editions with exclusive bonus content depending on the store. I haven't seen this often, at least.
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:20 PM
I think people got tired of influencers on BookTok and Bookstagram getting ARCs of copies and not really reviewing (people just posting the pretty pictures but not really reviewing or speaking to the literature itself I think)
Melinda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:20 PM
Milwaukee Public Library is the GOAT
Victoria Fleming
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
Mulvane Public Library!!
Somnath Konduru
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
YouTube is great, but can spend hours on many subjects to learn how to fix things, etc, etc. Scrren time problem is every gen problem.
Sydney
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
oclsfriends !
Olivia Mullenax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
Shoutout to sara.s.reads !
Tori Lawhorn
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
Milwaukee PL does great IG content
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
I think a lot of booktok became romantasy only and a lot of gen z also have different views on "spice"
Avery Castellani
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
I love Milwaukee!
Maerrin
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
I think it is LA County that has a great Tiktok
Hilary Gabers
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
Columbus OH is fantastic
Sidney Richendollar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
Manatee County Library System !
Stefania Diaz
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
Santa Clara Public Library has such a great IG account: @santaclaracitylibrary
Katie - North Country Library System
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM

https://www.instagram.com/emilysbooks.docx/ her approach cracks me up
Sara Angel
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
A Novel Kingdom on TikTok and Facebook
Mariah M.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:21 PM
I am working on more social reels for our platforms - check it out if you'd like on Instagram or Threads: jclsoregon
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:22 PM
You're doing such good work!!
Amy (she/her)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:22 PM
Hoover Public Library
Sidney Richendollar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:22 PM
I like the "I'll Read What She's Reading" podcast on Spotify
WJ Support
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:22 PM

Words and Money article: Publishing industry ‘study” says digital library lending is cannibalizing retail sales – librarians say it reveals something else
Sara Cooper
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:23 PM
what do they mean by "cannibalize"
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:23 PM
"boo hoo we didnt make as much money as we think we deserve"
Sara Cooper
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:23 PM
that's what I assumed 🙄
Cynthia
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:24 PM
It's a business term I think just means: "what someone would buy from us, they are now getting somewhere else."
Sara Cooper
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:23 PM
?
Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:23 PM
They found out that librarians eat authors.
Rachel Noorda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:24 PM
Publishers have long tried to make the argument that library borrowing hurts books sales. We disagree strongly with this.
Michaela Sy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:23 PM
Curious to know how others have approached library social media without focusing on books? We're moving away from the idea that libraries are for books, as they are so much more than that!
Elizabeth Aguilar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:24 PM
The library system I work with has a position that works on social media and also gets ideas from other staff. It's a mixture of information about services, readers advisory/staff recs, some librarified memes based on trends on Tiktok/other social media, and also reposting what customers tag us in
Ashley Osborne
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:25 PM
access popular literature thru the library instead of having t o buy it.
Rachel Noorda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:23 PM
https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/advocacy/content/ebooks/Digital-PL-Ecosystem-Report%20%281%29.pdf
Emily Q
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:23 PM
that seems odd to say given how expensive ebooks are for libraries!
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:23 PM
I think the cannibalism term  mean that libraries giving free access to books mean the big corporations/publishers loose money.
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:24 PM
100%
Rachel Noorda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:25 PM
Yes!
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:23 PM
We have a consortium here in arizona
Gi
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:24 PM
what is consortia?\
Sara Cooper
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:24 PM
libraries that work together to buy/borrow from each other
Amy (she/her)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:26 PM
Libraries that act as a group, rather than individually, even if they have different reporting responsibilities. for example where I am, the libraries are "owned" by the individual municipalities, but have a county catalog and are able to purchase as a group, rather than as separate libraries.
Amber Ursprung
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:24 PM
We are a part of one in Texas
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:24 PM
I know Libby also show what libraries you can access with the card you have - not sure if that's the same but still cool that you can access other catalogs this way
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:24 PM
consortia: a formal association of two or more independent entities—such as companies, organizations, or governments—that pool their resources to achieve a shared goal or tackle a common project
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:25 PM
I feel like this could be similar to a "Regional system" where counties pool together to share a collection in a way???
Alex Ehrhardt
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:27 PM
I'm in a regional system and I honestly thought they were just different terms for the same thing.  Or the regional system was one type of consortium.
Kari
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:31 PM

Illinois is divided into 3 reagional systems Chicago, RAILS, and IHLS. Within the southern Illinois Heartland Library System we have the SHARE Consortium: It is the largest automated library catalog and resource-sharing consortium in North America, uniting hundreds of public, school, academic, and special libraries.
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:24 PM
for those that didn't know (like meee)
Romeo
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:25 PM
And the digital content is metered. Very few titles are perpetual
Emily Q
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:25 PM
Plus we only get the book for a year if even that
Kathryn A
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:25 PM
I'm always suspicious of claims that a free (on the patron's part) borrow means a lost sale... the patron may be broke, for all we know, and just skip the eBook if they can't borrow.
Rachel Noorda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:25 PM
Exactly!
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:26 PM
I'm gonna need that said LOUDER for those in the back and in the peanut galleries...and in New York lol
Addy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:27 PM
Also, the idea that you need to make money with every sale or it's useless? What happened to being grateful for free advertising if someone borrows something and loves it?
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:27 PM
Oh Addy, but that means the big corporations loose out on their special yacht money. They can't have thaaaattt.
Alex Ehrhardt
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:34 PM
I will say that I would not be surprised publisher math is based on the profits they want to see rather than actual people's behavior.
Katie - North Country Library System
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:26 PM
We visit our state capital to talk to our reps every year. last year we talked about ebook price gouging, and our assemblyman said that he had been visited by publishers pushing that limiting library licensing terms is "pro business"

Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:26 PM
Do we have the study/source for GenZ is dissuaded from borrowing by wait times?
KB
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:26 PM
Yes — our 2022 data
Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:27 PM
Thanks, I'd love to mention this to my administration
KB
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:27 PM
Also in our new book also  more information forthcoming in this deck! 🙂
AO
Anne OsborneYesterday, 12:27 PM
Where is the money going?
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
AI and tech probably
Tori Lawhorn
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:27 PM
Even though your study shows that Gen Z prefers print books, are they willing to learn about and adapt to eResources more if the books aren't available immediately?
Liz Williams-Murphy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Only as new parents
WS
WJ Support
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Have you observed more Gen Z visiting your library? 
Kelsey
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes!
Helene Zebrauskas
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes
Khamila Woods
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Create yesa Winning Resume
AM
Ash McGee
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
yes
Katie GL (Madison, SD)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
I noticed the Gen Z that are new parents increase
Elizabeth Aguilar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes! This past summer is the most I've seen teenagers visit
Stefania Diaz
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes but it is only to hangout with friends and for roblox
Jazmine
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes
Tess F
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
I would definitely say so
AB
Audra Bowling
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes
Christine McIntosh - Bethel Park
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes, more Gen Z.
Patrick (he/him)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
YEs
Emily Ann Harrison
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
yes - but mainly for activities
Katelyn Boyer (Fergus Falls Public Library)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes! We have huge amounts of Gen Zers come to the library to study
Samantha
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
yes
BM
Bonnie McNair
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes
CK
Cantley, KimYesterday, 12:28 PM
Teens no, younger adults yes.
CF
C. Ford
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes!
Anastasia
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes
CT
Carolina T
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
I have seen a lot of Gen Z (early 20s) visiting with their parents
Melinda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
We've seen more folks just coming to read, puzzle, game, etc. Not sure entirely if they all fall into Gen Z
Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
I'm a rural teen librarian, so I don't see a ton
SA
Stephanie A.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
As employees
CM
Carlo Giovanni Mazziotta
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
HPL is experiencing an increase in Gen Z
CD
Caitlin Duggan
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
i've noticed more groups coming to hang out and use the space to be with friends.
Kelsey
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Perhaps more gen alpha
Sarah Read
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Lots!
AC
Avery Castellani
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
We definitely get more in the summertime, but we're in a tourist town! Lots of new parents and teens accompanied by parents who read
AU
Amber Ursprung
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes. Also using study rooms
Emily Q
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
I have definitely heard many Gen Z saying they want to, but being too inundated with life events and information that they don't find the time to
Julia Fabian
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Young gen Z, yes. Older gen Z, no
A
Addy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:29 PM
Unless they have kids
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Yes, but for my system it's primarily the elderly or families
GC
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
Older and middle Gen Z, absolutely. There's appeal for them in the analogue and social with the librarians, which matches your data
AM
Arielle M.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
We're seeing them as new parents for their children but not necessarily for themselves
Claudia Stockmann
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
I'm seeing them using our study areas and technology offerings more often.
Grace J
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
We get a lot of homeschool kids and tutoring at my library. We are also a location for the near by school for students to walk to after school.
Elaine
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:28 PM
I see them coming by to the library as hang outs, studying or just as a waiting spot for their friends
Mariah M.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:29 PM
Not as much as we'd like! We are working on advertising to get them intrigued on visiting. (I work in Marketing for our library system)
AO
Ashley Osborne
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:29 PM
We see teenagers want to volunteer, but not really visit outside of that.
AE
Alex Ehrhardt
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:29 PM
I don't have statistics but I'd say there are more teens and young adults than adults in any other age group besides seniors
Sidney Richendollar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:29 PM
I have been seeing more of the older end of Gen Z, college aged patrons. However, teens are less common at my branch. With that being said, my library is located on an Island that is mostly wealthy young families or seniors.
CA
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:29 PM
at my branch i dont see many gen z patrons. there was a good cluster at my previous branch it really depends on the library locatin overall
r.lee
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:29 PM
they seem to using the public libraries here to work / wifi / quiet area
Jaime Plecenik
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:30 PM
Do you differentiate in your study between the public and academic library visits?
Jannell
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:30 PM
Is this data broken down further by age in the research? A 13 year old's ability to purchase a book, get to the lib, etc would be different than a 27 year old's ability due to transportation, funds, etc.
KB
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:30 PM
No we do not differentiate between public and academic libraries in our studies
AE
Alex Ehrhardt
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:30 PM
It's worth noting that we do a fair amount of work promoting and maintaining our teen center.
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:31 PM
I think there's also a growth of subscription-based book options such as Audible or Kindle Unlimited. This means there's no wait times for books and they can "borrow" that way. However, this is also creating a strong desire for OWNERSHIP over the things they buy. So, you have a rise of "analog living" and physical items (CDs, Vinyls, Books, etc.)
Thais Rousseau
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:32 PM
we are specifically promoting our physical AV collections because of this value on analog living.
Emily Q
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:31 PM
My guess is that the impatience is because many of them are mood readers and it depends on the day what they feel like reading?
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:32 PM
I think there's just this sense of FOMO and the fact that media is constantly changing. Spoilers come out a lot sooner due to social media and people "want to keep up" so to speak.
Elaine
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:33 PM
Edited
I see that a lot when there are new anime seasons coming up and some of them might want to get ahead too to see what happens next-- particularly from the circulation of the manga collection
KA
Kathryn A
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:31 PM
as an eBook orderer, I WISH we had the budget to keep wait times down to only a week
Emma
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:31 PM
is there data about attitudes for wait times on physical materials?
KB
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:32 PM
We did not collect data bout attitudes toward wait times
m
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:33 PM
Thanks for mentioning the BIPOC statistics!
Lisa
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:33 PM
I'm sorry if I missed this! How are they getting book recommendations from librarians in the study? Is it via book displays or approaching service desks?
RN
Rachel Noorda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:34 PM
All of the above.
Lisa
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:35 PM
Thank you!
CP
Charles Pane
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:33 PM
Is there any data regarding Gen Z who are in college about their attitudes towards libraries, or even on campus libraries?  I know that this is about Public libraries, but I wondered if any research has been done for these particular Gen Z people?
Gi
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:34 PM
was more demographic research done about other BIPOC ethnicities and their statistics?
RN
Rachel Noorda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:36 PM
Yes! Reach out to us (rnoorda@pdx.edu and kberens@pdx.edu) and we can share more specifics. The BIPOC ethnicities we gathered data on were Asian/Asian American, Latina/o/x, Native American or American Indian, Paciifc Islander.
Shannon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:34 PM
thank you! so helpful to see some of the breakdown within GenZ, and yes if you do have more data along those demographic lines you can share, I'm very interested. it's something we're looking into in my system
Kalen M
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:34 PM
I don't know if you already mentioned this but what was your sample size?
RN
Rachel Noorda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:36 PM
2000
Nicole Pogue
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:34 PM
It's sad that Gen Z don't use the library for programs, we have some great programs at our library, and I would love more data on how to reach them.
Elaine
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:36 PM
Sometimes the teen librarian would let the teens know that if they need volunteer hours, they can come to our programs and earn them there.  That is when we get the teens on a good day haha😅
Chelsea
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:34 PM
Michigan has very strict privacy laws that most patrons don't know
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:34 PM
im not surprised they dont know that. everyone else tracks them everywhere
AO
Alison O'Meara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:35 PM
we are working to make study rooms with our upcoming library move and rebuild. This helps support this, thanks!
Kari
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:35 PM
Privacy protection would be an excellent topic for ALA to market country wide
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:36 PM
ESPECIALLY now
CE
Charis-Molling, EricaYesterday, 12:36 PM
I would bring my kid to the library more if my library offered any programming that wasn't during my work day. ::sigh::
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
that's a major thing i've noticed, so much library hours and programming is convenient for retirees aaaaaand rarely anyone else
CE
Charis-Molling, EricaYesterday, 12:38 PM
For sure. And I understand that staffing and funding constraints are a part of that. But when we're thinking about gen Z parents, how likely are many of them to be stay at home parents in this economy...?
AM
Ash McGee
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:36 PM
Edited
birth rates among adult Gen z has fallen a lot as well compared to other generation at the same age
WS
WJ Support
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
What are the services most valued by YOUR Gen Z patrons?
Jazmine
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
Free computer use
Meghan A
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
arts programs that would be costly elsewhere
Elaine
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
Definitely quiet time and the space given
Deonna Cordes
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
I wonder how renting/housing with roommates affects this data of wanting "me" time and a quiet space.
Deborah A.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
Digital books
Elizabeth Aguilar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
Gen Z loves programming- my branch has done arts and food programs
Sidney Richendollar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
Computer Use, Printing, Study Rooms.
AO
Alison O'Meara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
library of things, digital resources, supportive in-person services
AB
Audra Bowling
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
Book recommendations, displays, and free wifi
Romeo
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
Hotspot checkouts
AC
Avery Castellani
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
We get a decent amount of gen zers who come in to volunteer, print, and entertain their young children
Leah E. (she/her)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
Study rooms and volunteering opportunities
Meghan A
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
studyrooms
Liz Williams-Murphy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
We have a lack of Gen Z
Chelsea
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
computer / wifi use. study space. room rentals.
LS
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
Collage Club, Film Club, help with school/jobs with our resources, study rooms
CA
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
book clubs, ttrpg clubs, language clubs (japanese and korean mostly)
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
Many of our Genz patrons appreciate our free Wifi. We are the only place in town where you can connect without sharing your email or paying a fee, I believe.
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:37 PM
Study rooms...study rooms....study rooms...
oh and a side of study rooms
Cynthia
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
crafting and learning programs
KA
Kathryn A
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
Printing, device charging, quiet study spaces
Stefania Diaz
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
Our AnyTime laptops, phone chargers, study spaces, school supplies
CK
Colleen K.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
A mix of a quiet place to study and enjoying our programs. Fiber arts and unique art does well (by unique I mean art projects or crafts that most people do not have the tools for, i.e resin art)
Erin Bassett
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
A place to hang out with friends, place to study quietly, space to study in groups, space to do passive programs
CT
Carolina T
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
I think they like our private study rooms and themed events.
Campbellton Centennial Library
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
Study rooms, computer usage, new/free books
Christine McIntosh - Bethel Park
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
Displays, Library of Things very popular
Claudia Stockmann
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
hang out space and technology
KB
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
We have really granular data about library use and race/ethicity, gender, etc. 
Deborah A.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
Sewing and other fiber arts
CK
Colleen K.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
and so much printing but that is every gen
AW
Aisha Washington
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
ebooks and family/childrens' programs, private study rooms
Sherrie Wallace
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
Opportunity to engage with actual people.
CT
Carolina T
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
State park passes and mobile hotspot checkouts
Erin Bassett
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
Study Nights during finals or midterms, or around AP Exams - bring in the therapy dogs from the local police department!
Erica Thatcher
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
Volunteering
Sydney
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
help with resumes!
AK
Anna Kopinska
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
volunteer opportunities for teens
Laura Carroll (CML)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
At our location, volunteer and community service opportunities are some of the most popular/growing services we provide.
Jess Barnes
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
Edited
Study rooms and printing are definitely a thing that Gen Z uses a lot, also a lot of the circulating graphic novel/manga collections
KB
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:38 PM
Therapy dogs!!!
BN
Bradford N.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Library of Things
CM
Carlo Giovanni Mazziotta
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Local History collections
Stacy Books
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Cafe space
Erica
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Study rooms and programs
Heather Elia
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Volunteering
GC
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Afterschool hangout spot, place for snacks, place for
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
culture passes (free admission to museums and other cultural organizations)
Erin Bassett
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Graphic Novel book club!
Muirrin O'Connell
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Volunteer opportunities, a place to work quietly, and our teen services offer a "venting" program where teens can share one thing that's bothering them and get some treats in return that's very well attended
Grace J
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Volunteer opportunities, next door to the grocery store while they wait for parents to pick them up after school lol
Amber Ursprung
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Internship program
Olivia Mullenax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
We have a library of things collection with video game consoles available for check out
Erica
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Study rooms, parenting groups for young babies, free public health resources, volunteering
Cass Meador
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
PC use primarily, but also as a space to game together, sit with friends, or study for school
Sherrie Wallace
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
Digital & STEAM resources.
Grace J
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:39 PM
DnD and craft programs
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:40 PM
did you ask about mental health usage? relationships? medical questions?
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:40 PM
No, we didn't get into those use cases
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:41 PM
At the time (summer 2025) that wasn't yet as much discussed
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:41 PM
i figured as much, just wanted to clarify
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:41 PM
The AI space moves very quickly, of course
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:41 PM
mdpls has YOUmake and YOUmedia where they have access to 3d printers, mics, cameras, instruments, videogames and a ton of different new media tools as well as instructors
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:41 PM
Honestly any search in Google the first thing that pops up is their AI response...so realistically it's everyone using it all the time. I think a more targeted question would be who used GENERATIVE AI rather than just AI since they can't really control that at this point
Anne OsborneYesterday, 12:41 PM
What constitutes AI use?  Siri, ChatGPT etc? 
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:42 PM
Yes good question — AI is now woven into many, many services we all use
WebJunction WebinarsYesterday, 12:42 PM
Citation is: https://hbr.org/2026/01/how-gen-z-uses-gen-ai-and-why-it-worries-them
Alison O'Meara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:42 PM
duck duck go you can turb off the ai in your search
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:42 PM
With environmentally conscious gen z we are starting a basic hand sewing program to help repair their clothes!
Rachel Noorda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
I love that! What a great social opportunity too.
WJ Support
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:42 PM
What have you noticed about your Gen Z patrons’ perspectives and use of AI? 
Gi
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
i myself and my friends (all gen z) DESPISE AI
Christine McIntosh - Bethel Park
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
Mistrustful of AI
Liz Williams-Murphy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
I have boomers who want to learn how to sue AI
Katie GL (Madison, SD)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
ours are very anti-ai
Valerie Smith
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
They think gen ai for art is cringe
WebJunction WebinarsYesterday, 12:43 PM
Your undivided attention podcast: https://www.humanetech.com/podcast
Anna Kopinska
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
It's very interesting - I don't see using Gen AI as a creative act, but they do
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
For Gen Z it's complicated because identity politics play a part in how people feel about it and what they'd say socially say in public.
Emily Q
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
I know a lot of gen z people who are interested in art are very much against ai, as well as those being impacted by local plans for a new data center
Carlo Giovanni Mazziotta
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
Gen Z visitors here are very distrustful of AI
Laura Carroll (CML)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
There's a huge range from enthusiastic to opposed.
Nicole Miller
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
The GenZs I know are very stgrongly against AI
Avery Castellani
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
I find that our Gen Z patrons are more negative, while our older patrons tend to enjoy it/talk about it a LOT
Wesley Orion
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
AI is "the future" but they are also afraid of that future (younger sibling), me (also GENZ) despises it

Valerie Smith
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
and ai results need to be fact checked
Deborah A.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
Very wary--especially in relation to creativity and the arts
Harry
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
typically negative, but with the job market many feel required to with the hiring process and resumes
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
i have a teen who showed me a story she "wrote" and she denied up and down that she used AI. so there's awareness that theres stigma, but maybe not necessarily as much concern about the ethics of it
Stefania Diaz
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
I think there is a lot of shame from the gen z patrons who use Ai and because of that it isn't spoken of enough
Adriana Perez (SFPL)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
all the genz-ers in my life hate AI and will not use it
Elaine
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:43 PM
Not really sure, I feel like I see the younger kids, the ones after Gen Z use it more often
Colleen K.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:44 PM
I know personally my fellow gen Z coworkers disdain AI. We see a lot of AI usage with either older patrons or much younger patrons...
Rachel Noorda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:44 PM
Yes, we definitely see that disdain from our PSU Gen Z students.
GC
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:44 PM
Very mixed. Plenty are using it, plenty openly dislike it. Artistist Gen Z appear to dislike it more
Wesley Orion
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:44 PM
My sibling who just graduated highschool was REQUIRED to use AI on assignments
Rachel Noorda
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:45 PM
We get a lot of pressure as college professors to use it in the classroom.
Emma
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:44 PM
our library is hosting a big ai summit and the instagram comments were 100% negative (tho i think it was mostly millennial and gen x people commenting)
Melissa
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:44 PM
I know several who use ChatGPT and similar the way I would use a search engine, to try and figure out why something in software isn't working, what to try instead, etc. At the same time, many are very opposed to using AI in creative work.
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:44 PM
i suspect their opinion of it is HIGHLY dependent on their friend and social media bubble attitudes to it
WebJunction WebinarsYesterday, 12:45 PM
Surgeon General's report: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf 
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:45 PM
yess third spaces
WebJunction WebinarsYesterday, 12:46 PM
WebJunction has collected some resources on libraries and social connection: https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/rooted-in-connection.html 
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:46 PM
I think that can be a slippery slope with the public health thing though because libraries are already kind of being thrown into such a large need for social services and those with mental health and aren't trained or adequately supported to serve these needs
Elaine
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:46 PM
☝️
Kelsey
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
This is when you partner with an existing organization who does do health work.  Your library provides the space, the health provider provides the service.
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
agree. tons of local gov't like to just throw whatever public initiatives at libraries just because we're like the only remaining publicly accessible space
Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
I'd love to use public health monies for libraries used to hire a social worker ot other support staff member who specialized in issues that librarians just aren't trained to deal with
Somnath Konduru
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:46 PM
More right type of programming can help solve lonelyness
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
A patron pointed out to be that barring the restaurants, we're the only place you can just sit and relax. They took away a lot of the benches around town, even the ones in the parks.
Campbellton Centennial Library
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
thank you very much, it was very interesting
Erin Bassett
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
thank you all go much
WebJunction WebinarsYesterday, 12:47 PM
Please type your questions in the chat!
Emily Q
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
Thank you! This is great data!
Sidney Richendollar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
Thank you!
Liz Williams-Murphy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
Thank you so much for this research presentation!
Audra Bowling
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
Thank you!
Kyle
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
I really appreciate all of the information! Thank you!!
Colleen K.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
Thank you so much for presenting this!
Ash McGee
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:47 PM
All interactions with patrons lends itself to some aspect of social service
Heather Elia
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Thank you!
Megan
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Thank you!
GC
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Thank you, kindly!
Campbellton Centennial Library
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Will you be sending along this presentation?
Lorie Lee
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Thank you!
Beverly Austin
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Thank you!
Cindy Wilkey
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
thank you!
Christine McIntosh - Bethel Park
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Thank you.  This has been informative and got me thinking...
Carlo Giovanni Mazziotta
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Thank you for an excellent program
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Did you guys notice any differences across generations in general (gen z, millennial, gen Alpha, gen x, baby boomers)
Kalen M
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
I am curious about your sample size and data collection in general
Sydney
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Did you find any info on genz behavior in libraries and particiapting in civic society?
Khamila Woods
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Thank you so much for your tinme. This was very informative
Sherrie Wallace
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Appreciate all data provided!
Rachel McDonald
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM

    Kelsey Go to message
    This is when you partner with an existing organization who does do health work.  Your library provides the space, the health provider provides the service.

Yes, we partner with our local health department on programs and services so the community benefits from their expertise and our reach.
Ashley T.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Thank you!
Ash McGee
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Thank you so much!
Jennifer
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Much love to my home state Oregon. :D
Grace J
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
we've used library staff bingo in the past for students to get to know us and be more comfortable around us. Do you have any other recommendations on how to reach out to these kids and get them to interact with us more?
Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:49 PM
Can you describe "library bingo"?
Grace J
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:50 PM
we made a bingo card with facts about staff and teens had to go around asking staff who's fact was who's to win
Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:50 PM
That's a really neat idea! Was it all staff, or just teen/youth staff?
Grace J
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:52 PM
all staff. since we have students from the local charter school that walk over everyday we wanted a way for them to feel more comfortable with us when they came over after school.
Megan Tomkoski
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:52 PM
That's awesome, thanks for answering my questions!
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
I am an adult services librarian, my target for our branch are "new adults" so 18+. I started offering programming in the evenings and weekends but we still struggle to get these customers in. We also have very limited social media presence due to system policies. How do you suggest to market to these customers. We're doing programming they are very interested in based on this presentation, just unsure how to reach them the best.
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:49 PM
THIS
Elizabeth Aguilar
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:50 PM
Do you have any local partnerships that you can work with to share promotion?
Valerie Smith
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:51 PM
Maybe see if the budget allows for bulk coffee and pastries or other snacks? It's def hard to get people in the door. Even talking to people who say they're interested but still don't come
Cynthia
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Have you noticed any positive impacts from action(s) taken that was informed by your data or similar data?
Tori Lawhorn
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:48 PM
Do you see Gen Z being willing to adapt to eResources even if their number one preference is print books? Is that correct that their preference is still print overall?
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:49 PM
Yes, Tori — we'll take this one up. I see you asked it previously 
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:49 PM
i think libraries in the current age need to serve not just as info centers but community hubs as well. i think a big thing is safety in public libraries because of the different crisis scenarios we are open to due to the public nature of the libraries, and the lack of taining and resources to handle those situations.
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:51 PM
for example at my current branch there is no security guard or anything like that.  think the system would be great for interwebbing social services, infortmatin services, and general community engagement srvices
Layne A.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:49 PM
The idea of Gen Z not being interested in formal programming is interesting since there seems to be pressure on us to create programs. But perhaps there should be more emphasis on unstructured events.
CE
We've found much more engagement with low-structure, drop-in, low-stakes "events."
Wesley Orion
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:49 PM
What exactly is the cultural difference between a Gen Zer and a Millenial? Besides the year gaps
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:50 PM
how they part their hair, im told
Elaine
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:52 PM
Edited
I heard something about the Gen Zs making fun of millenial's fashion tastes?
Alex Ehrhardt
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:52 PM
Relationship to online spaces is a big one.  Social media landed in the latter half of the aughts.  Experience with physical versus streaming media.  And in a lot of cases, technology used during their education.
GC
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:53 PM
In my experience, digital and internet access was a big difference. Gen Z never knew a world 'without internet,' but Millenial had the internet fall into their lives in a smaller scale.
Alex Ehrhardt
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:55 PM
And the internet changed a lot over the course of millenials' lives.
Alex Ehrhardt
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:58 PM
Even in terms of access.  Desktop and laptop computers versus smart devices.  The internet wasn't everywhere the way it has been in the 2010s and 2020s.
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:50 PM
Did you guys speculate or hypothesize any correlations between the change in political scope since COVID and book banning to library use for Gen Z?
WebJunction WebinarsYesterday, 12:50 PM

SLIDES: https://www.webjunction.org/content/dam/WebJunction/Documents/slides-How-GenZ-Use-Public-Libraries.pdf
CE
Charis-Molling, EricaYesterday, 12:50 PM
We're finding that GenZ engagement with scheduled programming is mostly abysmal, but drop in programming engagement is much higher. Is there something in your data that resonates with this phenomena?
Bradford N.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:52 PM
My Hoopla circs are increasing dramatically but I am not sure which demographic is driving this at this time.
Romeo
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:52 PM
Genuine question: does Gen Z not like waiting for digital holds because they can actively see their hold position? If a physical isn't there, they don't even see it unless they hold it via the catalog.
Tori Lawhorn
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:52 PM
I've noticed that tandem reading (audiobook and physical) is becoming quite popular with our patrons
Layne A.
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:53 PM
Do you mean listening while reading or switching between formats?
Tori Lawhorn
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:53 PM
Listening while reading
Kathryn A
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:54 PM
Oh yeah I've had several ask if it was possible to see the text while listening to an audiobook or hear the audio while reading the eBook. Generally youngish patrons, probably gen z.
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:52 PM
With the pool you used, was it just American citizen Gen Zers or was there those from other countries that are Gen Z (I think a big piece for libraries is serving as a space for nonnative English speakers learning English or those that are noncitizens(
Campbellton Centennial Library
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:53 PM

    WebJunction Webinars Go to message

    SLIDES: https://www.webjunction.org/content/dam/WebJunction/Documents/slides-How-GenZ-Use-Public-Libraries.pdf 

Thank you!!!
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:53 PM
Gen Z does love to cancel plans 🫠
Cindy Wilkey
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:54 PM
We have more participation with passive programming; putting out supplies and letting people do at their own pace/time.
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:54 PM
Connecting with the schools to advertise and having school visits so kids know what we're doing. That's helped a little with our participation.
Lisa
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:54 PM
Our college students request silent reading parties. They still don't come to them, but they do request them often!
Alison O'Meara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:54 PM
we did pop up programs in the past for hard to get demographics. So whenever they were there we would offer a selection of programs on the fly and materials for them. like having a makerspace cart or something. Tricky part is getting it counted to your data for programming.
Louisa V
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:54 PM
Gen Z doesn't really "plan ahead" much so I'm guessing that is why they do not use programming as much. (Parent of 2 Gen Zers)
Sara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:56 PM
why plan ahead when everything is on demand?
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:54 PM
y previous branch has a book club where they dont even require you to read the book in order to participate, the book just kinda keeps everyone on the same topic
Avery Castellani
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:54 PM
We too have a lot of instances where we get requests... and then no one shows up
Emma
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:55 PM
tbf we get this with older adults too
Alison O'Meara
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:54 PM
also besides pop up programs, having passive programs for them helped too.
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:55 PM
Question about silent reading parties - there is the organization silent book club, and i know they have trademarked this and have reached out to systems trying to do similar programs. how do you promote something like this in a way that makes it clear what it is but aren't going against a trademarked organization
Lisa
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:57 PM
I'm pretty sure we called it a "Reading Party"
Gracie Pasley
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:58 PM
If your local Silent Book Club is open to it, maybe reach out and partner together on a program! We're looking into this and hopefully it can get more people on site and aware of all the different programs a library hosts. Plus the cross advertising is always great!
Shannon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:55 PM
did I hear right that this round of research, you did not have a screener that required participants to have read a book recently? so the sample is representative of GenZ overall, not just readers?
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:55 PM
i think our social media presence is lacking a bit, at least the way we present our programs to this specific demographic
Avery Castellani
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:56 PM
Ours is DEFINITELY lacking. Our board won't let us use much of anything but Facebook, which the Gen Zers aren't really... on
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:57 PM
exactly!! and even then the way we present the resources and programs are almost like out-dated
WebJunction WebinarsYesterday, 12:56 PM
Remember this is your one stop shopping for the webinar - links, chat, etc.
https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/gen-z-use.html
Kathryn A
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:56 PM
We used to have a short story club for teens that was reasonably popular (I think it was canceled for pandemic reasons).
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:56 PM
Genz also usually means people who go to school and work, so we know that sometimes we need to change our times to later in the day. Time is usually the main culprit for non-attendance, especially young adults.
WJ Support
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:56 PM

Access the slide deck and resources on the event page. The recording will be posted there within 24 hours.
https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/gen-z-use.html
Slides: https://www.webjunction.org/content/dam/WebJunction/Documents/slides-How-GenZ-Use-Public-Libraries.pdf

View the WebJunction course catalog: learn.webjunction.org

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Sydney
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:57 PM
any data on the best time of day for programming for gen z?
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:58 PM
i know for my library we do weeknights around 6PM and Saturdays around 2PM and this has seemed to get them in!
Trudy Gregg
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:57 PM
Thank You
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:58 PM
We call those programs All Ages programs
Liz Williams-Murphy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:58 PM
We have a Wii Mario Kart tourney- the kids call it an antique!
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:58 PM
but  I like that phrasing!!!
Kathi Inman Berens
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:58 PM
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Sydney
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
thank you thank you thank you alll!
Teresa Acierno
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!!
Wesley Orion
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you both so much!
Megan Jenkins
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Yes thank you so much!!!!!
Chelsea
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
thank you!
Patrick (he/him)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
Jennifer
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
THANK YOU! :D
Wesley Orion
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
And thank you everyone in the comments!
Charli Garcia Hernandez (Library)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
GC
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
Lex Schwallier
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
thank you!
Alex Ehrhardt
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
Jax
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
thank you both!
Avery Castellani
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you so much!
Katie GL (Madison, SD)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
Koegel, ChristianYesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you for your presentation, this information is so valuable!
Kyle
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!!!
Lisa
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
Jess Leach-Carroll
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!!
Elizabeth
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
KB
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
Aisha Washington
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
V
vlee@loyalistcollege.comYesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
Emily
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thanks you!
Shannon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
this has been really insightful - thanks for sharing your work!
Valerie Smith
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
thank you!
Charles C
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
David Basora - Manchester, NH
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
thank you!
Liz Williams-Murphy
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
thnak you again!
Carla Aragon
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thankyou!!!🥳
Jerica Miller
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Tthank You
Annie W. (she/her)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
Karla (Pasadena Public Library)
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
Lucy Quartararo
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
Thank you!
Harry
Unverified
Yesterday, 12:59 PM
thank you