When in Doubt, Go to the Library

A new Gallup poll shows Americans by far enjoy using their leisure time to go to the library, averaging at least 10 visits per year compared to half that time spent at the movies.

The survey, conducted in December of last year, is an update of a previous 2001 Gallup survey which showed similar activity patterns 19 years ago. Notable differences include a small decrease in trips to the movies, as well as an increase in museum trips, national park visits and attending live music or theatrical events.

Women in the survey averaged nearly double the number of trips to the library as did men, with 13.4 average yearly visits for women and 7.5 for men. Men averaged double the annual visits to casinos and national or historic parks compared to women.

In terms of age, young people between the ages of 18 and 29 reported the highest number of visits to the library with 15.5 average annual visits. That same age group held the lowest average annual visits for live sporting events with only 2.8 in 2019.