New PLA data reveals public libraries boosted support for food security, health and wellness in 2025

The Public Library Association (PLA) today released the 2025 Public Library Services for Strong Communities Survey report. First conducted in 2022, the survey examines how libraries respond to diverse needs through programs, services, partnerships, and facilities. The 2025 results highlight how libraries have adapted to changing needs while continuing to build on core community services. 

“The Public Library Services for Strong Communities report shows that today’s libraries are so much more than quiet book repositories; they are vital lifelines for neighbors navigating real-life challenges,” says PLA President Dr. Brandy McNeil. “From stepping up to address food insecurity to expanding essential health and wellness initiatives for all ages, libraries are proving they are the heartbeat of community resilience.  

“We hope library leaders and staff see these findings as validation of your incredible, ongoing innovation and the power of the partnerships you build every day. Ultimately, this report is here to help you tell your library’s story and advocate for the resources you need to keep showing up for your community.” 

Key findings from the 2025 Library Services Survey: 

• 56% of libraries offered food security support services in 2025, a 9.6% increase compared with 2022. 

• More libraries are offering health and wellness programs for all age groups, including children (42.8%), teens (37%), adults or general interest (66.7%), and older adults (42%). 

• 44.7% of libraries serve as cooling or warming centers during extreme temperatures, an increase of 8.2% compared with 2022. 

• Almost all libraries (98.5%) have at least one partnership from early childhood centers (81.5%) to organizations serving older adults (73%). 

The survey findings highlight both continuity and change. Public libraries continue to show strength in core areas such as information access, literacy, and lifelong learning. At the same time, library services are evolving in both scope and approach, including through new types of programs and partnerships that respond to changing community needs. 

New survey questions focused on services and programs for older adults. Findings show that 80.4% of libraries offer specific support services for adults aged 65 and older, while 83.3% offer at least one type of program targeted at that group. Digital literacy and technology help is the most common program type, offered by 70.5% of libraries, and 73% have partnerships with senior residences, centers, retirement homes, or other organizations for older adults. 

PLA invited all U.S. public libraries to participate in the survey, and 1,896 libraries responded, representing a response rate of 20.6%. Survey results are weighted to account for differences between responding libraries and the universe of all U.S. public libraries. 

Open-ended survey responses highlighted several emerging trends affecting communities nationwide, including changing demographics, increased social isolation, growing demand for digital literacy support, and rising needs related to homelessness, food insecurity, mental health, and substance use. Libraries reported responding through expanded outreach, partnerships, technology assistance, and community-centered programming.   

The Public Library Services for Strong Communities Survey is one of a rotating cycle of three national surveys. PLA staff work with the Measurement, Evaluation, and Assessment Advisory Group to ensure each survey gathers actionable data about how public libraries are using their programs, services, partnerships, and facilities to address community needs. 

The 2025 survey report provides information on national trends that libraries can use to better understand community needs, inform planning, strengthen partnerships, and demonstrate community impact. The full dataset is available to subscribers via Benchmark to further inform planning and demonstrate impact through custom peer comparisons.  PLA will explore the findings Saturday, June 27, at the ALA Annual Conference. You can also learn more about the survey results in a free webinar on July 23, 2026. 

About the Public Library Association 
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.