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Library reading programs encourage reading achievement

Observations at various libraries and interviews with parents, children, and library staff reveal that preschool and summer reading programs encourage children to spend significant amounts of time with books, a first step toward reading achievement. Observations and interviews also show that library programs encourage parents to play greater roles in the children’s literacy development—another factor leading to reading achievement (4).

Reference:

The Role of Public Libraries in Children’s Literacy Development: An Evaluation Report

Direct and indirect economic benefits of public libraries

An economic analysis model on the circular flow of economic activity involving libraries looks at indirect demand and measures economic spin-offs. Taking into account both direct and indirect impacts, in 1993/1994 Ontario public libraries contributed $486 million to the GDP. The direct and indirect impact in terms of jobs reached more than 9.000 in 1993/1994. Government direct and indirect revenues generated by public library activity in Ontario, calculated from direct and indirect taxes, duties, and from the sale of cultural goods and services are estimated to generate almost $38 million in revenue to various levels of government (22).

Reference:

The economic and job creation benefits of Ontario public libraries

Public Libraries ROI

for every dollar of direct spending on operations payroll, libraries generate $0.53 in additional spending in the economy of Minnesota. In the same way, for every dollar of direct spending on operations services, libraries generate $0.74 in additional spending in Minnesota's economy

Reference:

Minnesota Public Libraries' Return on Investment

Public Library of MN add to the state economy

The public libraries of MN on the state economyCapital Expenditures: The impact of payroll associated with public library capital expenditures delivers an impact of more than $35.5 million dollars to the State. Operations: The impact of payroll associated with public library operations delivers an impact of more than $260.8 million dollars to the State.Capital Expenditures: The impact of sales associated with public library capital expenditures delivers an impact of more than $65.3 million dollars to the State. Operations: The impact of sales [services] associated with public library operations delivers an impact of more than $366.4 million dollars to the State.

Reference:

Minnesota Public Libraries' Return on Investment

The average household would be willing to donate between $31.7 and $38.3 US dollars

The average household would be willing and able to donate [to public libraries] between $31.7 and $38.3 US dollars annually, resulting in a total donation for Minnesota’s approximately 2,061,882 households of $65.4 to $79.0 million annually.

Reference:

Minnesota Public Libraries' Return on Investment

Majority of all adult age groups use the public library

Reported household usage of the public library varies by the respondent’s age group. Eighty-eight percent of 18–34 year olds (born 1976 to 1992) reported that they and/or someone in their household used a public library in 2010, prior to their interview. Among those 35–54 (born 1956 to 1975) 84% of households report public library usage. A lower percentage of households (70%) used the public library among those aged 55 or older (born before 1956).

Reference:

Minnesota Public Libraries' Return on Investment

All education groups feel public libraries are important in every community

There appears to be no statistically significant difference between these education groups in their feeling of the importance of having a public library in every community. All groups feel this is important.

Reference:

Minnesota Public Libraries' Return on Investment

Majority feel having a library in every community is important

Ninety-five percent of users and 83% of non-users feel having a library in every community is either somewhat or very importantOverall 80% of non-users and 93% of users felt that public library support should remain the same or be increased.

Reference:

Minnesota Public Libraries' Return on Investment

Higher income households use libraries more frequently

There is a higher use [of public libraries] in all other combinations of users for households with $30,000 or higher annual incomes.

Reference:

Minnesota Public Libraries' Return on Investment

Support of libraries does not vary by gender

There is no statistically significant difference between men and women on the question of whether public library support should be increased, remain the same, or be decreased, although in both cases the vast majority felt that public library support should stay the same or increase.

Reference:

Minnesota Public Libraries' Return on Investment