More Library Books, Fewer Nursing Homes: Invest in Libraries, Invest in Health

Researchers in Japan analyzed data from 2013 to 2021, comparing the number of books in public libraries in nineteen cities to the number of people who needed long-term care. They found a clear correlation: Cities with just one more book per person had 4 percent fewer people needing long-term care, and cities with ten more books per person had 34 percent fewer reported cases.

Some might wonder if these cities were just wealthier or had healthier people to begin with. But the researchers made sure to consider factors like income and demographics in their analysis.

Surprisingly, the benefits were seen even for people who didn’t read. While the connection was stronger among regular readers, even nonreaders were healthier in cities with more library books.

This suggests that simply living in a place with strong library resources can help people live healthier, longer lives.

The research was led by Koryu Sato, a lecturer at Keio University's Faculty of Policy Management, and Saeko Otani, a Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine graduate currently in training.

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Sato suggested, "I think that the number of books indicates the library's richness. Having an excellent library nearby is thought to offer physical, cognitive and social participation benefits."

• Physical Benefits. Sato stated that going to the library instead of reading at home contributes to one’s health because the reader must physically walk to enter the library. (This, of course, doesn’t apply to those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.) Previous studies have shown that prolonged sitting is detrimental to health, while even light walking is beneficial for overall well-being.
• Cognitive Benefits. Sato explained, “Reading itself is brain training, and unlike regular reading, going to a library offers unexpected book encounters, broadening knowledge. Library events can also stimulate intellectual curiosity."
  
• Social Participation Benefits. Sato noted that previous studies have shown that engaging in regular activities, such as hobbies, helps maintain cognitive function and reduce mortality.

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Sato also pointed out that libraries have heating and cooling systems, which bridge the economic and living environment gaps, especially for older adults who don’t have access to air conditioning or heating at home.

Past research has shown that reading is good for your health, too. A 2016 Yale University study followed more than 3,600 people aged fifty and older for twelve years. It found that people who read regularly had a 20 percent lower mortality rate during that time compared to those who didn’t read.

The data paints a clear picture. Libraries offer more than just books—they provide safe spaces, foster social connections, and offer support for healthy living.

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