Libraries provide essential services to communities and patrons despite common misconceptions that they are outdated. In 2010, public libraries served 297.6 million Americans, equivalent to 96.4% of the US population. However, 57% of libraries reported flat or decreased budgets in 2011, leaving them unable to meet increasing demand for services. To ensure libraries can continue meeting the needs of communities, citizens must advocate for increased funding by contacting legislators and voting in support of library initiatives.

1. HEY

2. Do you like to read?

3. LIBRARY
Do you ever spend time here?

4. Stop me if you’ve heard this one
before…

5. “Libraries are outdated.”

6. “Nobody reads print anymore-or
they won’t in the future.”

7. “Librarians & Google have the
same job.”

8. “Nobody goes to the library
anymore.”

9. (sigh)

10. None of these things are
even remotely true.

11. LIBRARIESprovide free access to books, journals
periodicals, the Internet, and professional
research help.

12. But libraries aren’t free.

13. Salaries, computers, Internet services, tech
support, subscriptions, books and building
maintenance all cost money.
And we need a lot.
Because you use the library a lot.

14. In 2010, public libraries served
297.6 MILLION
Americans.

15. That’s equivalent to 96.4%
of the total U.S population.

16. 91% of libraries offer
free wifi
76% offer e-books
90% offer technology help
to patrons

17. 62%
report that they are
the only provider of
free computer and
internet access in
their community

18. The problem isn’t a lack of foresight.
It’s a lack of money.

19. 57% of libraries reported flat or
decreased budgets in 2011.

20. 50% don’t have enough staff to meet
patrons’ job-seeking needs.

21. And 65% of libraries say they don’t
have enough public computers to
meet demand.
In cities, that number rises to 87%.

22. 2.46 BILLION

23. That’s how many library materials
were circulated in 2010 alone.
That’s billion with a B.

24. 3.75 MILLION

25. That’s how many
programs, classes, meetings and
events were held at public libraries in
2010.
It averages out to one free program
every day in every library in America.

26. We enjoyed having you.
Come back anytime.

27. Here’s some more good news.
There are more libraries in America
than Starbucks cafes, Wal-Mart
stores or McDonald’s restaurants, and
library usage is increasing.
But…

28. For the third year in a row, 40% of
state libraries report decreased state
funding for public libraries.
All libraries benefit from state aid, but
small and rural libraries will close
without it.

29. Did we do something wrong?

30. Right now, librarians are fighting for
your rights to privacy, free speech and
access to information.

31. So that everyone has the opportunity
to enrich their lives through reading
and writing.

32. Libraries help patrons of all ages, and
from all walks of life learn to
read, enrich their minds, find
information and empower
themselves.

33. Which saves taxpayers money.

34. Libraries are also vital to scientific
and medical research.

35. College and university libraries give
doctors, scientists and academics
access to the journals and databases
they need to keep up with
developments in their fields.
Most of them are also partially state
funded.

36. Pretty cool, right?

37. Yes. It’s very cool.

38. But because of
attitudes like this:

39. “Librarians & Google have the same job.”

40. Libraries are being asked to do
more with less every year.
(sad face)

41. State and local governments are asking us to
take on more responsibilities, like helping
people access online education, healthcare
and government services.

42. At the same time they’re cutting our
technology, training, staff and operating
budgets. This has been going on for years.

43. The cuts need to stop.

44. It’s time to invest in our
public, academic and school
libraries so that we can meet
challenges now and in the future.

45. I suppose you could say this
moment is overdue.
(groan)

46. YOU CAN HELP
In fact, we can’t do it without you.

47. Write to your legislators in
state government.
Tell them to make state funding
for public libraries a priority this
year and every year.

48. Support (and vote for) library
referendums and initiatives in
your community.
Say “no” to budget cuts.

49. Tell your mayor, city council and
county commission how much you
use and value your library.

50. And the next time you hear
someone say

51. “Libraries are outdated.”

52. say

53. HEYThat’s not true.

54. Libraries matter.

55. And if we don’t stick up for them
now, then people really will stop
using them.

56. Because they won’t be there.

57. THANK YOU
From a librarian who <3’s patrons
For the source of the statistics used in this presentation
and other ways libraries are pretty cool, see:
http://www.ala.org/tools/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet06