Library use up, funding down – it’s time for change
All around the world people are flocking to public libraries. In developed and developing countries alike, visits to libraries have increased by 5 … 10 … 15% over the past 2 to 3 years.
Why is this happening?
One, because public libraries simultaneously deliver the trifecta of economic, social and environmental benefits.
Boosting productivity through support of language literacy at a time when literacy levels are falling; and providing access to technology and digital skills so that everyone has the opportunity to engage with government services and the digital economy – skills for life.
Inspiring a love of reading that fuels understanding, imagination and creativity; building community connections and fostering tolerance and social inclusion; and reaching out a helping non-judgmental hand to the most vulnerable in our community – no one left behind.
Curating collections of books, digital resources and everyday things guided by libraries’ founding environmental and efficiency principle – buy once, use many times.
Two, because public libraries exist, are run by and serve local communities. At its core every library is the same as any other, but in presentation, character and feel every library is a unique reflection of people and place. In word, print, image and voice libraries are the custodians of the stories of hundreds and thousands of years that brought us to where we are today – the stories we love and those that challenge us, without censorship, a source of authoritative truth. And a new chapter in our story is being written in our libraries every day.
Three, because public libraries are places where everyone belongs. Community lounge room or classroom, tech hub or tinkering shed, reading nook, play space or sanctuary. Safe, welcoming third places that are neither home nor work, unless that is what we choose them to be. Asking nothing of us beyond respect for those who share the space. And always, my place.
Finally, because public libraries have no agenda other than the uplift of people and communities. Not to mention the unassuming everyday heroes working in libraries who, sometimes to their own detriment, bring knowledge, enthusiasm, care and compassion to the lives of the people they serve.
Research from numerous countries over the past 20 years has consistently found that every $1 invested in public libraries delivers a return of $4-$5. Yet libraries still have to fight to acquire and retain every dollar that comes their way, with regular cost-shifting and declining (state) or $0 (federal) coming from other levels of government (being the ones who reap greatest long-term economic benefits from better literacy, health and wellbeing, and social cohesion).
At a time when cost of living pressures are high … when political and social norms are being discarded … when global conflict is a constant backdrop … when AI is untethered … when objective truth is contested … and when grievance is enough, people are looking for something that brings certainty and stability to their lives and communities. If ever there was a time to prosecute the case for serious public, corporate and philanthropic investment in public libraries, that time is now, because the people are voting with their feet.
Recent data releases
“Physical and online library visits (to Australian public libraries) increased by 8.5% in a single year, reaching a five-year high of more than 160 million visits. Public library collections were used almost 180 million times, while a record 434,000 library programs attracted more than 7.2 million attendees. … Funding for public library services fell 0.6% in 2024–25 to $1.383 billion, while inflation-adjusted expenditure per person has declined 13% over five years.” Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report 2024–25, https://www.alia.org.au/Web/Web/News/Articles/2026/PLSR_2024_2025.aspx
“Almost 16 million visits were made to Ireland’s public libraries last year, according to the Local Government Management Agency. The surge in footfall to 15.9 million represents a rise of two million on the 2023 figure of 13.9 million. And it has fuelled a major spike in borrowing, with more than 22.8 million items issued in 2025. This is a significant rise on 2024, when 17.5 million items were borrowed.” https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/09/26/here-i-found-the-focus-to-rebuild-my-life-irish-libraries-offer-much-more-than-books/
“36% of people aged 16+ and over in England engaged with libraries at least once in the last 12 months, a 5 percentage point increase from 2024/25 (31%).” https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/community-and-engagement-survey-202526-libraries/community-and-engagement-survey-202526-libraries-report
“Texas public libraries generate nearly five times the value of the public money invested in them, according to a new statewide study released by the Texas Library Association. The report, Beyond the Stacks: Economic and Community Value of Texas Public Libraries, found that every $1 invested in the state’s public libraries generated $4.74 in community value. Libraries delivered an estimated $3.8 billion in total economic benefits during fiscal year 2024. The analysis comes as major Texas cities grappling with budget crunches look to cut funding for their libraries.” https://www.sacurrent.com/news/texas-news/study-shows-texas-embattled-public-libraries-generate-3-8-billion-in-economic-benefits/