Rising living costs drive more Americans to public libraries
Patrons say they are borrowing books, streaming films and using free library services as prices for food and other essentials climb.
At a glance
- A Pew survey found 44% of Americans struggled to afford a basic necessity in the past year.
- Large library systems report rising card applications, checkouts and visits as living costs climb.
- Federal funding for libraries remains uncertain after a budget proposal recommended eliminating Institute of Museum and Library Services support.
Americans facing tighter budgets are turning to public libraries for free books, movies, internet and workspace, according to NPR News. Izzy Rivera of Topeka, Kansas, said she borrows books and digital titles rather than buying them while saving for law school. Librarians in multiple cities say patronage has risen as the cost of living increases.
Growing demand as budgets tighten
A Pew Research Center survey released in mid-October found that 44% of Americans had struggled in the past year to afford at least one basic necessity, such as medical care or housing, while 70% had cut back on extras like streaming services.
Several large library systems shared data showing recent growth. The Los Angeles Public Library reported that makerspace use rose 37% between the last two fiscal years, with digital circulation and visits both up more than 20%. Chicago Public Library said in-person visits, adult card applications and Wi-Fi sessions each increased by more than 11% from January through July. The Maricopa County Library District in Arizona recorded a 34% rise in Kanopy use and a 78% surge in Hoopla use over three years. At the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, digital media checkouts grew 8.1% last year, though physical circulation fell.
Funding threats persist
The Trump administration previously sought to eliminate funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, prompting lawsuits from 21 state attorneys general before grants were reinstated. A White House budget proposal released in April recommended zeroing out funding for the agency for the current fiscal year.
Maria McCauley, president of the American Library Association and director of the Cambridge Public Library in Massachusetts, said libraries depend on a mix of federal, state and local money and must continually justify their budgets.
Libraries also offer job-application help, crafting supplies, musical instruments and a library of things that includes Wi-Fi hotspots and camping gear. Nathaniel Muns, a recent college graduate in Philadelphia, said he uses the library's keyboard because replacing his own broken instrument is unaffordable.
Source: NPR News.
Questions and answers
- Why are more people using libraries?
- Patrons and librarians say rising living costs are pushing people to borrow books, movies and internet access instead of paying for them.
- What free services do libraries offer?
- Libraries provide books, digital media, streaming, newspapers, Wi-Fi, job application help and items such as hotspots and camping gear.
- Is library funding at risk?
- A White House budget proposal recommended cutting all funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, though previous grant cuts were blocked by lawsuits.
