Public libraries are an invaluable resource for communities across the United States and around the world. From providing access to books, digital resources, and educational programs to offering Wi-Fi connections and 3D printing services, public libraries offer a wide range of services that benefit their patrons. This blog post will explore some interesting statistics about public library usage in the US as well as worldwide. We’ll look at how many people visit public libraries each year, what types of materials they borrow or download from them, which services they use most often, and more. So let’s dive into these fascinating facts about our beloved local institutions.
Public Library Usage Statistics Overview
In 2020, US residents visited public libraries over 1.3 billion times.
This statistic is a testament to the importance of public libraries in the lives of US residents. It shows that despite the challenges of 2020, people still found value in visiting public libraries, and that libraries remain a vital resource for the community. This statistic is a powerful reminder of the impact public libraries have on our society.
Americans annually borrow an estimated 2 billion items from public libraries.
This statistic is a testament to the immense value public libraries bring to their communities. It speaks to the fact that millions of Americans rely on public libraries for access to books, movies, music, and other resources. It also highlights the importance of libraries in providing educational opportunities and fostering a love of reading. Ultimately, this statistic serves as a reminder of the vital role public libraries play in our society.
In 2020, there were approximately 815 million e-book circulations at public libraries.
This statistic is a testament to the growing popularity of public libraries and the increasing demand for e-books. It highlights the fact that more and more people are turning to public libraries for their reading needs, and that libraries are responding to this demand by providing more e-book options. This statistic is a clear indication that public libraries are an important resource for readers, and that they are continuing to be a valuable asset to their communities.
About 48% of US adults visited a public library or bookmobile in-person in 2019.
This statistic is a powerful indicator of the importance of public libraries in the lives of US adults. It shows that despite the availability of digital resources, a large portion of the population still values the physical presence of a library and the services it provides. This statistic is a testament to the enduring relevance of public libraries in the modern age.
About 86% of local libraries in the United States offer e-books to their patrons.
This statistic is indicative of the fact that public libraries are adapting to the digital age and providing patrons with access to e-books. This is an important development, as it allows libraries to provide patrons with a wider range of materials and services, and to keep up with the changing needs of their patrons. Furthermore, it demonstrates that public libraries are continuing to be relevant and useful in the digital age.
Approximately 90% of public libraries provide digital literacy training and support.
This statistic is a testament to the importance of public libraries in providing digital literacy training and support. It highlights the commitment of public libraries to ensure that their patrons have access to the necessary skills and resources to navigate the digital world. This is especially important in today’s world, where technology is increasingly becoming a part of everyday life. By providing digital literacy training and support, public libraries are helping to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities.
Over 30% of public libraries offer 3D printing resources and services.
This statistic is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of public libraries. It shows that libraries are not only keeping up with the times, but are actively embracing new technologies and services to better serve their patrons. This statistic is a reminder that public libraries are not just a place to check out books, but a place to explore and learn about the latest technologies.
Over 72% of libraries in the United States offer summer reading programs.
This statistic is a testament to the commitment of libraries in the United States to providing educational opportunities for their patrons. It shows that libraries are actively engaging with their communities and providing resources to help children and adults alike stay engaged with reading and learning during the summer months. This statistic is an important indicator of the value that libraries place on education and literacy, and it speaks to the importance of libraries in our society.
There are over 38,000 public libraries worldwide.
This statistic is a powerful reminder of the sheer magnitude of public libraries around the world. It speaks to the importance of public libraries in providing access to knowledge and resources to people of all ages and backgrounds. It also serves as a reminder of the need to continue to invest in public libraries and ensure that they remain a vital part of our communities.
In 2019, US library-goers made an average of 7.5 visits to public libraries.
This statistic is a testament to the importance of public libraries in the lives of US library-goers. It shows that people are taking advantage of the resources and services that public libraries offer, and that they are returning to libraries multiple times throughout the year. This statistic is a valuable insight into the impact that public libraries have on their communities, and it is an important piece of information to consider when discussing public library usage statistics.
More than 64% of people use public libraries for remote access to databases and digital resources.
This statistic is a testament to the importance of public libraries in providing access to digital resources. It highlights the fact that public libraries are a vital source of information and knowledge for the public, and that they are being used to their fullest potential. This statistic is a reminder of the importance of public libraries in our society and the need to continue to support them.
Around 49% of people use public libraries to borrow or download e-books.
This statistic is a telling indication of the importance of public libraries in the digital age. It shows that despite the prevalence of digital media, people still rely on public libraries to access e-books. This highlights the need for public libraries to continue to provide access to digital media, as well as traditional books, in order to meet the needs of their patrons.
About 74% of public libraries offer SAT/ACT test preparation services.
This statistic is a testament to the expansive services that public libraries provide. It highlights the fact that public libraries are not just a place to check out books, but also a place to access resources to help students prepare for college entrance exams. This statistic is indicative of the commitment public libraries have to helping their communities succeed.
Approximately 95% of public libraries offer programs for youth, including early literacy programs.
This statistic is a testament to the commitment of public libraries to providing educational opportunities for youth. It speaks to the dedication of public libraries to fostering a love of reading and learning in young people, and to providing them with the resources they need to succeed. It is a reminder of the importance of public libraries in our communities and of the invaluable services they provide.
Public libraries in the United States have nearly 64 million registered borrowers.
This statistic is a testament to the immense popularity of public libraries in the United States. It shows that millions of people are taking advantage of the resources and services that public libraries offer, and that they are an important part of the lives of many Americans. This statistic is a powerful reminder of the importance of public libraries and the impact they have on our communities.
US public libraries provided over 4.4 million programs in 2020.
This statistic is a testament to the immense value public libraries bring to their communities. It demonstrates the sheer number of programs and services that public libraries offer, from educational classes to recreational activities. It also highlights the importance of public libraries in providing access to resources and knowledge to people of all ages and backgrounds.
In 2020, more than 134,000 volunteers contributed their time to US public libraries.
The sheer number of volunteers who dedicated their time to US public libraries in 2020 is a testament to the importance of these institutions. It speaks to the value that people place on public libraries and the services they provide. This statistic is a powerful reminder of the impact public libraries have on their communities and the importance of their continued support.
In 2016, U.S. libraries saw a 33% increase in the number of Wi-Fi sessions offered to patrons.
This statistic is indicative of the growing importance of libraries as a source of internet access for patrons. It shows that libraries are increasingly being used as a place to access the internet, which is a valuable resource for many people. This is especially true for those who may not have access to the internet at home or who may not be able to afford it. This statistic is a testament to the importance of libraries in providing access to the internet and other resources to those who need it.
Conclusion
The statistics presented in this blog post demonstrate the immense value of public libraries to Americans and people around the world. From providing access to digital resources, offering test preparation services, hosting educational programs for youth, and more than 1 billion visits per year – it is clear that public libraries are an invaluable resource for communities everywhere. With over 38 thousand public libraries worldwide and nearly 64 million registered borrowers in the United States alone, these institutions continue to be a cornerstone of knowledge sharing and education.
References
0. – https://www.pewrsr.ch
1. – https://www.libraryplanet.net
2. – https://www.ala.org
3. – https://www.urban.org
4. – https://www.programminglibrarian.org
5. – https://www.pewresearch.org
6. – https://www.dos.ny.gov
7. – https://www.imls.gov
