For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite self-soothing techniques in life is to go to a library or a bookstore. 

There’s just something about seeing those rows and rows of books and the hushed voices of people that makes me feel so at peace. Like I’m tucked into a cozy little corner of the world, far away from the noise and chaos of life outside. 

Are you the same way? Are libraries and bookstores your personal sanctuary, too? 

If you’re nodding along, it might surprise you to know that there’s more to this than meets the eye. 

It actually hints that you have these 8 special traits, according to psychology: 

1) Highly curious

Let’s start with the obvious: people who find peace in libraries and bookstores do so because they are book lovers. 

Which means, they’re highly curious individuals. 

They’re there to check out (literally and figuratively) what new worlds are worth exploring. And once they find one that’s just right for their current mood, they proceed to get lost in its pages. 

As a book lover myself, I’d say going to the library or bookstore is a two-fold mission for us – to find some refuge and solitude while learning something new.  

2) Introspective

Can’t hear yourself think? Go to a library and bookstore, and I assure you, you will. 

These are prime spaces for reflection – the hum of the outside world fades, and your thoughts finally have room to breathe. 

I’d say that they are an introvert’s refuge. There’s no pressure to mingle and make small talk. 

You’re free to bury your nose in a book or stare into space, and no one will find you odd. In these settings, it’s the noisy ones who will actually be considered odd…how’s that for a pleasant change, huh? 

3) Mindful

Speaking of noise, people who find peace in libraries and bookstores are very careful to be quiet and keep to themselves. 

Which means, they know what it means to be mindful and considerate. They instinctively lower their voices, move with quiet grace, and respect the tranquility of the space. 

There’s a kind of unspoken agreement to honor the silence; after all, we’re all there to find peace, right? Together, but separately. 

4) Imaginative

Research shows that reading makes us more creative. The World Literacy Foundation affirms that, saying:

“The more we read, the better we can build up and expand our knowledge. We can be open to new ideas and have an understanding of new things. 

“Reading helps us practice imagination by letting the words describe a certain image while the reader manipulates the picture in the mind.”

That’s quite the contrast to the common misconception that bookish people are boring, isn’t it? I suppose it’s because people only see reading as a static, passive activity. But it’s actually not. 

Inside all those noggins quietly reading books in the library and bookstore are tons of fascinating worlds and complex ideas. 

In this context, you could say that libraries and bookstores are playgrounds of the mind. 

5) Loves sensory experiences

Aside from the fascination of the abstract, people who go to libraries and bookstores for a moment of peace are also fascinated with the whole atmosphere. 

The whole sensory experience of it. 

Looking at the gorgeous designs of different book covers. The feel of the book in their hands. And the smell. Oh, yes, the smell. Book lovers will always want to smell a book, whether it’s old or new. 

According to Sensory Beginnings, we are inclined to “seek sensory experiences to connect us to the world around us, explore it, make sense of it, understand it, and to understand ourselves.” 

For people who like libraries and bookstores, all the sensory experiences related to books make them feel safe. It’s what helps them make sense of the world. No wonder they feel at peace there! 

6) Organized

Another trait you’ll often see in people who find peace in libraries and bookstores is organization and detail-orientation. 

As psychologists say, a tidy and organized environment creates a positive mood and reduces stress. 

True enough, when you’re stressed, the organized look of books arranged in neat rows can ground you and give you a sense of order. 

Book lovers appreciate knowing that they may be surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of books, but there is a method for finding just the one they need. That’s a very comforting thought. 

In fact, you’ll likely find that they have their own system for storing books at home. I, for one, arrange my books by genre, then alphabetically by title. Other people prefer to organize alphabetically by author. 

7) Empathetic

One of the strongest arguments for training kids to be readers is that reading develops empathy. 

And it’s true – research shows that reading, especially fiction, emotionally transports us into the story, and we become more empathetic.

As a lifelong book reader, I credit the habit of reading for introducing me to a wide range of complex situations and human experiences. 

For instance, I don’t live in a war-torn country, but thanks to the books I’ve read, I feel connected to characters who have. It makes me feel their struggles, hopes, and fears in a way I never could without reading. 

So if you’re a book lover who finds peace in libraries and bookstores, chances are, you carry a deep sense of empathy. This brings me to the next point…

8) Old soul

What exactly does being an old soul mean? Healthline describes it as someone who: 

• Doesn’t put much stock in material possessions 
• Focuses on meaningful connections
• Needs a lot of time alone
• Has high empathy
• Spends a lot of time thinking about how to make a difference

Doesn’t that sound a lot like people who love libraries and bookstores? 

These characteristics align perfectly with the habits and mindsets of avid readers, who often seek depth in relationships, are introspective, and prefer the quiet solitude that libraries offer. 

Add to that the fact that many book lovers have a tendency to reflect on life’s larger questions – like an old soul would – and you can see why these spaces feel like a natural home to them.

Final thoughts

In a world that’s constantly moving, places like libraries and bookstores offer a rare escape. For me, they will always be a space where we can slow down, reflect, and immerse ourselves in something meaningful. 

If you’re someone who feels at peace in these spaces, now you know why. You love libraries and bookstores because you see them as a place where it’s safe to be yourself – thoughtful, curious, and wonderfully complex.