Library use grows as budgets tighten and people turn to cards for free books, media and events
A place to save money
Izzy Rivera reads at least one book a week, but new books are beyond her budget while she saves for law school. Near her home in Topeka, Kan., she borrows print and digital books through local libraries and recently bought 15 used books for about $20.
She also watches films on Kanopy, reads the New York Times for free and spends time at a library branch. Rivera said the library lets her leave home without feeling she must buy something, unlike a coffee shop.
Libraries see more use
Library workers and patrons across the country told NPR that more people are using libraries. Data from several major systems show recent increases in cardholders, borrowing and event attendance.
Jeremy Reeder, who leads the Maricopa County Library District in Arizona, said some patrons learn they can borrow audiobooks rather than pay for services such as Audible. He said a little patience can make the library an alternative.
Costs are not the only cause
Rising prices for food and other essentials have added pressure on household budgets. A Pew Research Center survey released in mid-October found 44% of Americans had struggled during the previous year to afford at least one basic need, while 70% of adults said they had reduced spending on extras such as streaming subscriptions.
Librarians also credit better marketing and social media with encouraging interest in libraries and reading. Maria McCauley, president of the American Library Association, said people are increasingly aware of the services libraries provide at no or low cost.
Past downturns offer context
Earlier research found higher library use during some economic downturns. An American Library Association analysis reported increased circulation at 18 large public systems during the brief 2001 recession. A separate study of 541 libraries found use was greater during the Great Recession than in prior years.
But the pattern is not settled: a 1986 article seeking a similar link found no data to support it. It is also unclear how much current growth stems specifically from affordability concerns.
Recent figures vary by system
The Los Angeles Public Library reported a 37% increase in makerspace use between the last two fiscal years, while digital circulation and visits each rose by more than 20%. Chicago Public Library saw in-person visits, adult card applications and Wi-Fi sessions increase by more than 11% year over year from January through July.
Maricopa County recorded a 34% rise in Kanopy use and a 78% increase in Hoopla use over three years; its cardholder base also grew as applications moved online. Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library reported digital media checkouts up 8.1% last year, even as physical circulation declined.
Key points
- Public libraries provide books, digital media and other resources at no or low cost.
- Several large U.S. library systems report increases in use, membership or attendance.
- Affordability may be contributing to growth, but librarians cite other factors too.
- Recent usage trends differ: Topeka's digital checkouts rose while physical circulation fell.