30 Facts About America's Libraries

Help raise awareness about the importance of America's libraries by sharing these thought-provoking facts on your social media channels. Click on the "TWEET" text to share on Twitter. Right click on the graphic and save to your desktop for use on other social media channels.  Not on social media? Download and print "Quotable Facts about America's Libraries" and keep it in your wallet to have facts about libraries at your fingertips.

1. #LibrariesTransform lives and communities. There were more than 1.35 billion in-person visits to public libraries in 2016. #LibrariesTransform lives and communities. TWEET

There were nearly 1.3 billion in-person visits to public libraries in 2015. (Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services 2016 public libraries data

2. Experiencing information overload? Your library can help you find accurate answers and fact-check dubious claims. #LibrariesTransform #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

78% of Americans feel that public libraries help them find information that is trustworthy and reliable. (Source: Geiger, Abigail. "Most Americans – Especially Millennials – Say Libraries Can Help Them Find Reliable, Trustworthy Information." Pew Research Center, 2017.)

3. People of all ages rely on libraries to access books, movies, games, and more. How many items do you have checked out from the library right now? #LibrariesTransform #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

9/3: Americans check out an average of 7 items a year from the library. (Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services 2015 public libraries data.)

4. Summer learning programs at the library set students up to succeed during the school year. #LibraryCardSignUp #LibrariesTransform TWEET

95% of libraries offer summer reading and learning programs for children to maintain academic achievement between school years. (Source: Bertot, John Carlo, Ph.D., Brian Real, Jean Lee, Abigail G. McDermott, and Paul T. Jaeger. Digital Inclusion Survey. Information Policy and Access Center, University of Maryland, 2014.)

5. Wondering how your tax dollars support libraries? Ohio is a great example of how libraries offer a fantastic return on investment.  #LibraryCardSignUp #LibrariesTransform TWEET

Ohio taxpayers enjoy an economic return of $5.48 per dollar of taxpayer support for libraries. (Source: Fleeter, Howard, and associates. The Return on Investments of Ohio’s Public Libraries. Prepared for the Ohio Library Council, 2016.)

6. Libraries play a critical role in making internet access available to all. #LibrariesTransform #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

98% of public libraries provide Wi-Fi and access to computers. (Source: Bertot, John Carlo, Ph.D., Brian Real, Jean Lee, Abigail G. McDermott, and Paul T. Jaeger. Digital Inclusion Survey. Information Policy and Access Center, University of Maryland, 2014.)

7. One of many ways libraries strengthen and empower their communities: providing career assistance to people of all backgrounds. #LibrariesTransform #LibrariesStrong TWEET

9/68% of libraries provide programs that assist patrons with accessing employment databases and job opportunity resources. (Source: Bertot, John Carlo, Ph.D., Brian Real, Jean Lee, Abigail G. McDermott, and Paul T. Jaeger. Digital Inclusion Survey. Information Policy and Access Center, University of Maryland, 2014.)

8. A library card is your ticket to #ebooklove! Supplement your paperback collection with free eBooks and audiobooks from the library. September is #LibraryCardSignUp Month! TWEET

391 million e-books were available to public library patrons in the United States in 2016. (Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services 2016 public libraries data.)

9. Libraries across the country change lives every day, in big cities, small towns, and everything in between. #LibrariesTransform #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

There are 17,000 public libraries (including branches) in the U.S.—more than there are Starbucks stores! (Sources: Institute of Museum and Library Services 2015 public libraries data; Jargon, Julie. Too Much Coffee? Starbucks Shops Outnumber McDonald’s. Wall Street Journal, June 7, 2018.)

10. What kinds of library programs do you love to attend? #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

11. The public agrees: libraries are just as important as ever in the twenty-first century! #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

12. RT if you or someone you know is a millennial library lover! #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

53% of millennials use their library each year—more than any other adult generation. (Source: Geiger, Abigail. Millennials are the most likely generation of Americans to use public libraries.Pew Research Center, 2017.)

13. Library resources and programs help everyone keep up with rapid advances in technology. #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

14.  How has your library helped you grow recently? #LibrariesTransform #GetCarded TWEET

65% of Americans say libraries help them grow as people. (Source: Geiger, Abigail. Most Americans – Especially Millennials – Say Libraries Can Help Them Find Reliable, Trustworthy Information. Pew Research Center, 2017.)

15. Libraries have way more than just books! What’s the coolest item you’ve checked out from the library? #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

Public libraries lend out everything from audiobooks and telescopes to musical instruments and museum passes.

16. Calling all job-seekers: your library has your back. #LibrariesTransform TWEET

73% of libraries assist patrons with job applications and interviewing skills. (Source: Bertot, John Carlo, Ph.D., Brian Real, Jean Lee, Abigail G. McDermott, and Paul T. Jaeger. Digital Inclusion Survey. Information Policy and Access Center, University of Maryland, 2014.)

17. Libraries are hubs of their communities, providing a free space where anyone can work, learn, or just hang out. #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

69% of adults say their local libraries contribute “a lot” to providing a safe place for people to spend time. (Source: Horrigan, John B. Libraries 2016.

18. 94% of libraries provide 24/7 access to eBooks and other digital content. Celebrate your #ebooklove by checking out an awesome new title (for free!) from your library. #LibrariesTransform TWEET 

94% of libraries provide 24/7 access to eBooks and other digital content. (Source: Bertot, John Carlo, Ph.D., Brian Real, Jean Lee, Abigail G. McDermott, and Paul T. Jaeger. Digital Inclusion Survey. Information Policy and Access Center, University of Maryland, 2014.)

19. Libraries are a great place for entrepreneurs to start developing their next big idea. #LibrariesTransform TWEET

59% of libraries provide assistance with starting a small business. (Source: Bertot, John Carlo, Ph.D., Brian Real, Jean Lee, Abigail G. McDermott, and Paul T. Jaeger. Digital Inclusion Survey. Information Policy and Access Center, University of Maryland, 2014.)

20. Library technology assistance is a great resource for professional development—or just staying connected with faraway relatives. #LibrariesTransform TWEET

75% of Americans say libraries have been effective at helping people learn how to use new technologies. (Source: Geiger, Abigail. Most Americans – Especially Millennials – Say Libraries Can Help Them Find Reliable, Trustworthy Information. Pew Research Center, 2017.)

21. Every time you stop by your library, you can discover something new! When was your last visit to your local library?  #LibrariesTransform TWEET

Americans go to school, public, and academic libraries three times more frequently as they go to the movies. (Source: Quotable Facts about America’s Libraries. Office for Library Advocacy, American Library Association, 2017.)

22. Filing your taxes or submitting an application can be daunting—but library workers can help you understand complicated forms. #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

97% of libraries help people complete online government forms. (Source: Bertot, John Carlo, Ph.D., Brian Real, Jean Lee, Abigail G. McDermott, and Paul T. Jaeger. Digital Inclusion Survey. Information Policy and Access Center, University of Maryland, 2014.)

23. Banning books silences stories. Stand up for your freedom to read! #BannedBooksWeek TWEET

491 books and other materials were reported as challenged in libraries and classrooms last year. (Source: Rosa, Kathy S., ed. The State of America’s Libraries 2018: A Report from the American Library Association. American Library Association, 2018.)

24. Libraries = strong communities! Support your local library by encouraging friends, colleagues, and neighbors to sign up for a library card. #LibraryCardSignUp TWEET

2 out of 3 Americans say that if their local public libraries were closed it would have a major impact on their communities. (Source: Horrigan, John B. Libraries 2016.

25. Library programs provide learning, fun, and a sense of community for people of all ages and interests! #LibrariesTransform TWEET

Nearly 113 million people attended public library programs in 2016, including storytimes, theatrical performances, and cooking and yoga classes. (Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services 2016 public libraries data.)

 

Libraries are wonderful! Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month with Wonder Woman. Pictured: Wonder Woman reading a book
Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month, Try Libby, the one-tap reading app from your library. OverDrive
I Love My Librarian Award, Nominate your librarian to win $5000!