For those of us who are devoted library members, there is nothing more satisfying than walking into our local branch to find a book or attend an event. But have you ever wondered if everyone else entering the library feels the same way?

The New York Public Library was very interested in this question and commissioned a survey to discover the truth. And the truth was good. In an article on Literary Hub by James Folta, the results of the survey were shared.

Science has backed up what many of us have long been saying: the library rocks. A study from the New York Public Library surveyed 1,974 users on how the library makes them feel and how it affects their lives, and the results are overwhelmingly positive.

Breaking down the survey questions, the amount of perceived benefits from the library was very impressive.

• 92% of respondents reported feeling somewhat to very “calm / peaceful” after visiting the Library
• 74% of respondents reported that their library use positively affects how equipped they feel to cope with the world
• 90% of respondents reported that their Library use positively affects how much they love to learn new things
• 88% of respondents reported that their Library use has supported their personal growth

Even more encouraging were the comments from the survey participants. Folta reports:

What I find most charming in this study are the quotes, which the researchers highlight in “Patron Voices” sections. They’re full of great little lines, like people calling the library “a touchstone” and “a place to rely on,” and that “knowing it’s there makes me feel better about my life in the city.”

What to see more results? Read the full article on the Literary Hub website.