New Data Brief: “ALA Estimates That U.S. Public Libraries Need $32 Billion For Construction And Renovation”

From the Brief:

ALA estimates that U.S. public libraries need $32 billion for construction and renovation. At current funding levels, it would take 25 years to meet today’s needs.

America’s public libraries operate approximately 17,000 locations nationwide across more than 210 million square feet. Americans visit these public libraries more than 1.3 billion times per year. The average public library building is more than 40 years old, including hundreds of buildings that are more than 100 years old. Over time, these buildings must be renovated, expanded, or replaced to serve growing populations, meet new community needs, and protect the safety and health of library users and workers.

Direct to Full Text Brief
2 pages; PDF.

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Data Files, Funding, Libraries, News, Patrons and Users, Public Libraries