Study: More than $1 billion in library funding to be allocated based on Census results

New report demonstrates impact of 2020 Census on libraries and communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new analysis released November 18 reveals that more than $1 billion in federal funding for libraries will be allocated to states based on the 2020 Census. Published by Professor Andrew Reamer of the George Washington Institute of Public Policy at George Washington University, the study pinpoints the financial impact the census will have on libraries.

ALA President Wanda Brown said, “This study demonstrates why a complete count in the 2020 Census is so important to libraries. A fair, inclusive and complete count in the 2020 Census means that libraries in each state will receive their fair share of federal funding.”

The population count in the decennial census determines the level of funding allotted to each state through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The legislation’s Grants to States program provides federal funding to state library agencies to support libraries in their state. The program is one of more than 300 federal programs that allocates funding to local communities based on data derives from the Census.

In fiscal year 2019, Congress provided more than $160 million for LSTA Grants to States. Thus, if Congress provides level or increased funding each year over the next decade, the results of the 2020 Census will determine the allocation of more than $1 billion in funding for libraries.

The American Library Association (ALA) has been preparing libraries for the impact the decennial census will have on local library resources and staff and is encouraging libraries to partner with community organizations to achieve an accurate count.

For more information on ALA efforts to support a fair, inclusive and complete count in the 2020 Census, visit www.ala.org/census. Along with ALA’s Libraries’ Guide to the 2020 Census, the site includes links to webinars and tip sheets on specific topics related to libraries’ role in the census, such as outreach to historically undercounted groups and partnering with state and local Complete Count Committees.

To connect on social media, follow @ALALibrary, #CountOnLibraries, #2020Census.