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The Read With Us Lounge: How Does Library Funding Work, Anyway?
One of the things I see all the time on social media goes something like this:
“I always check out a few extra books because I know it helps the library get funding.”
I love the intention behind that comment. It tells me people want to support their library. But it’s based on a big misconception about the public library. The reality is that we don’t receive funding based on how many books we check out or how many people have library cards.
I think part of the reason people assume this is because librarians pay a lot of attention to statistics. We count circulation numbers, program attendance, visitor counts, computer use, Wi-Fi sessions, and more. And we do that because those numbers tell us how the community is using the library. And then we use those numbers when budget season rules around and town officials are making decisions about how to spend taxpayer dollars. If thousands of people are borrowing books, attending programs, downloading eBooks, using museum passes, applying for passports, bringing their children to storytime, or using our public computers, we can demonstrate that the library is an important community resource.
Those numbers don’t generate funding but they sure as hell justify it. Statistics help us demonstrate our value even if they don’t create our funding. Every time you use your library, you’re helping demonstrate that these services matter to your community. You’re showing that the investment taxpayers make in the library is worthwhile. And that’s why it matters that you borrow books and go to programs and hype up the public library.
Not because each use earns the library money. But rather because each use helps tell the story of why libraries matter.
And that’s the most important message of all.
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Personally, I don’t think statistics are needed to justify funding…but I do understand that they do. I love supporting (and donating to) my local library. It’s just a good feeling all around!
It is fascinating to see the data that librarians keep track of! (and I am really glad that every interaction with the library helps them build a picture of how vital they are to a community!)
I use my library a lot, but I know that use does not translate to funding. Advocating for the library (and its funding) is important, and I always donate to my public library as well. I always appreciate the behind-the-scenes perspective you can provide — I think that the more people know about how libraries work, the more likely they are to advocate for their funding!
Our town and county fiscal years start July 1, and I’ve just seen the breakdown of where our tax dollars go. We pay a gazillion in taxes and while I support our schools, I don’t appreciate paying so much that the teachers have far better health care than many of the our citizens do. I was also appalled at how little money the library gets comparatively, so I think this is the year that I need to start supporting them directly. I get most of my books from the library so the least I can do is donate some money. Thanks for telling us about library funding!
In my neck of the woods, most of the current library funding is going toward technology, which is a love/hate decision for me. I think it is grand that people can go to the library and use a computer, but I hate that money that could be used for books is being funneled into giving people internet surfing time. My city/county libraries do not buy many new books, some of them not at all, some with very few copies. Waiting lists are 6 months long for most new books, digital and hard copies. It has forced me to join libraries far away for a fee that lets me check out ebooks. This has become so popular that now their waiting lists are not much better than the local library’s! Someone needs to capitalize on this issue and have a huge digital only online library that you can join for a fee. I would pay quite a bit for a membership. I would rather give that money to a library than Amazon! I do support the local libraries a lot, but they just don’t meet my needs very well anymore. They have also done away with late fees, so people keep books for months and months. I know this because I have waited up to 6 months for a book when I am #1 on the wait list.
Thanks Carol. It’s good to get this information. I love the folks at our local libraries so much. This summer we’ve been helping some kids, a family from Afghanistan, get to the library. The staff has been (and occasionally needed to be) very kind and patient. Folks have gone to the back to look for that one book in the series that isn’t on the shelf, replaced lost cards, and generally been such a welcoming presence. I’ve been so grateful.
To Becky, re technology funding. People do hang out and surf the web at the library, but computers are SO important. Almost all entry level jobs start with an application online. Not everyone has a computer (or printer) at home. Many government programs can only be accessed through an online application. This is an important resource for many people in my community and yours.
Statistics and funding are always a major part of our library trustee meetings! Our library is part of a large consortium of public, academic, & school libraries that makes it easy to share books between libraries. This helps everyone have access to a variety of books, even in small, rural communities. I always love a visit to the library!
I love my local library — and it is ALWAYS a hoppin’ place. It’s very community-focused and community-supported and just a generally pleasant place to just hang out. XO
I usually go to the library a town over but also use my local library. Our local library was closed for at least a year getting remodeled a few years ago and I went to the next town over and still do as it’s not far from where I grocery shop. They both have a great selection of books, old and new which is great.
It is interesting to know about these library statistics. I love my local library system not the least because it feels like a place where everyone is welcome. I also love to support the library however I can.
Similarly, get every library card you are eligible for. I could get one from my city and one from my county. Pretty sure it doesn’t result in direct funds, but more justification is better.