Libraries are important pillars of their communities, and while there have been plenty of think pieces over the years claiming libraries are on their way out, the reality is that many people still consider libraries vital public institutions. A recent report from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) shows that library use has actually been increasing. Unfortunately, staffing and budget levels are not keeping up.
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ULC Library Insights Report
The ULC has been collecting data from public libraries across the United States and Canada for the past several years through their annual Library Insights Survey. Their 2025 Library Insights Report highlights current trends in library usage and compares them with data from previous years to better understand pre- and post-pandemic library services and operations.
Much has changed in the world since 2019, and library use is no exception. While certain uses have decreased, such as the circulation of physical resources, there have also been some significant increases. The most recent Library Insights Report shows that several different areas of library use have risen over the past year, continuing ongoing trends.
Room reservations are up 25 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, and e-resource usage has risen by 14.8 percent. This is the third year in a row that these services have grown, and the gains are even more pronounced when compared to 2019: Room reservations are up 31 percent, and e-resources are up 58 percent.
In-person visits have also risen, up 9.8 percent in 2024. This is the third consecutive year this metric has increased, following the same trend in room reservations and e-resources. The number of programs offered by libraries was up 8 percent, which could have contributed to the increase in in-person visits. Also, while in-library computer usage had been declining in recent years, it was actually up 12 percent in 2024.
Clearly, libraries are still very popular in their communities, with patrons visiting regularly and using digital resources both at home and at the library. For library lovers, this sounds like good news, but unfortunately, this report also reveals a hidden strain that will only get worse without intervention.
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The Strain on Library Staff and Budgets
While library usage is up in many areas, staffing is down. Staffing levels declined by 3.6 percent in 2024 and remain 8.2 percent below 2019 levels. Budgets rose 5 percent in 2024, but that wasn’t enough to keep pace with inflation. Libraries would have needed an additional 5.4 percent budget increase to break even.
Smaller libraries have been hit especially hard. Their staffing levels were down 11.5 percent, more than three times the average. They also saw a decrease in e-resource usage, contradicting the trend seen in larger systems. The exact reason for this decrease was not stated, as it fell outside the survey's scope, but smaller libraries have been more likely to cut certain digital services due to budget constraints, which could help explain the discrepancy.
This mismatch between rising usage and declining staffing and budgets creates an enormous strain on libraries. Every valuable resource they offer requires properly trained staff and sufficient funding to maintain it. As demand for services continues to rise while staffing and budgets fall behind, the gap between what patrons want and what libraries can provide will only widen.
Underfunding libraries can result in reduced operating hours and services, longer wait times for materials, fewer programs like summer reading or employment assistance, and delayed maintenance or improvements to buildings or devices. Insufficient funding is also a reason for the decrease in library staffing, which can have disastrous consequences.
Libraries need staff to shelve books, catalog e-resources, oversee room reservations, create programs, and even to simply open the front doors on time. Without enough staff, important tasks can’t be done on schedule, and some services have to be canceled. Not having enough staff to handle the volume of use can also lead to burnout, which in turn can increase turnover and reduce efficiency.
Without proper funding or staff, services like interlibrary loans may disappear. Digital resources are some of the largest expenses in a library’s budget, and despite their popularity, they tend to be one of the first things cut when funding is too low. Wifi and broadband internet access are other large expenses that could be reduced or cut altogether without enough funds. These are just some of the services that are on the chopping block, with many more under threat.
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How You Can Help Libraries
Libraries are funded through multiple sources, but a significant one for many libraries is government funding. Because of this, one of the most important things you can do to help your local library is to vote. Local ballot measures and even federal elections can affect how much funding libraries get, so it’s important to show your support not just at the library but at the ballot box.
Community support is the most valuable tool when it comes to keeping libraries open and fully funded. To show support for your local library, it’s important to stay informed about funding issues and to always vote with libraries in mind. You can also call your representatives to express your love and support for libraries, especially when critical funding bills are being discussed in Congress. And lastly, share this article to raise awareness and to let others know how they, too, can help libraries stay funded.
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