Libraries 2016
Trends in visiting public libraries have steadied, and many Americans have high expectations for what their local libraries should offer
Hispanic immigrants are less likely than U.S.-born Hispanics, whites and blacks to use public libraries. But Hispanic immigrants who have made their way to public libraries stand out as the most appreciative of what libraries have to offer.
Some 77% of Americans now think it is “very important” for public libraries to provide free access to computers and the internet to the community. (For comparison, 80% of Americans say the same thing about books.)
What does library engagement look like in different community types?
Compare the library engagement of your library or group with the rest of the country using our new “community quiz” tool.
The New York Public Library recently announced that it is rethinking its controversial plans to turn parts of its 42nd Street location into a public lending library. Public libraries across the country are grappling with similar issues of how central their collections of books should be as they strive to add digital services, expand learning resources, and serve as all-purpose community spaces.
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