Why Libraries Are An Economic Lifeline For Millions Of Americans via Market Watch

Why Libraries Are An Economic Lifeline For Millions Of Americans

Library Reports
& Statistics

Some social commentators say corporations should replace these public institutions

Market Watch: 7.25.2018 by Jacob Passy

Ron Baron’s local library was a critical lifeline when he was unemployed.

The 20-year-old resident of Grand Junction, Colo., often found himself hanging out at the library when he was jobless. “It’s one of the only places I could go to without the expectation of spending money,” Baron said.

But the library was more than just a place to relax indoors. Baron also used resources at his library to apply for a job. And when he found out that the job he initially wanted was already filled, library staff helped connect him with a workforce center that helps unemployed individuals find jobs free of charge. “I would have never learned about it otherwise,” he said.

Thanks to that recommendation, Baron now works in housekeeping at a hotel. When he’s not working, he reads books — from his local library — about computer programming in preparation for coursework he plans to complete at the local community college.

Baron is just one of the millions of people nationwide who benefit extensively from the resources libraries provide. Meanwhile, libraries around the country have been in dire straits in recent years as budget cuts everywhere from New York City to Wichita have forced the closure of these beloved community fixtures. Those that have remained open have often had their belts tightened courtesy of city and state lawmakers — even while most have witnessed a noted uptick in visits.

═════════►

Libraries are very popular—with good reason

Americans still love their local libraries. A staggering 94% of Americans ages 16 and older said that have a public library is beneficial to the quality of life in a community, according to a 2013 study from Pew Research Center. Additionally, 90% said that the closing of the local public library would have a negative impact on their community if it were to happen, even though 52% of people said they need their libraries less these days.

Here are some of the many ways that libraries improve the communities they are located in:

Researchers in Zimbabwe found that the promotion of public library services in the southern African country helped to improve literacy among children and adults, leading to Zimbabwe having one of the highest literacy rates in Africa. Being illiterate has significant financial ramifications—experts have estimated that illiteracy costs the global economy $1.2 trillion each year.

Other studies have shown how having more books in the home will improve a young child’s educational attainment later in life; for low-income families, libraries help to reduce the financial burden of stocking a home library.

Ninety-six percent of libraries have job and employment resources, and it is estimated that roughly 30 million people use those resources in their career search each year.  READ MORE >>

Library Reports & Statistics

Public Library Surveys, IMLS

Star Libraries, Library Journal

State of America’s Libraries, ALA
State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAA) Survey (Biennial), IMLS

Library Surveys, Pew