Heterogeneous Effects of Public Library Use on Adult Reading Behavior

Public libraries are growing in response to continuous decline in adult reading rates. However, despite growing public interest, few studies have examined the causal relationship between public library usage and reading behavior. This paper examines the causal effect of public library usage on reading behavior using the number of public libraries in a region as an instrumental variable to address endogeneity. Applying a two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation, we analyze nationally representative data on adult reading activities in South Korea. While public library use shows no significant average effect for the general adult population, it has a robust positive effect on reading behavior among lower-income individuals. Specifically, public library usage substantially increases both the likelihood of reading and the number of books read among this group. These results highlight the redistributive function of public libraries in enhancing cultural access for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. This paper calls for differentiated cultural policy design that takes into account demographic and economic heterogeneity in access to cultural goods.