AWKWARDPIXELS STUDIO
← BACK TO THE STAGE

THE DAILY TRANSMISSION

Several large U.S. public library systems have reported growth in recent years

· Morning edition

AI-assisted edition by . Published by Intrigued.me, LLC.

Data shared with NPR by several of the largest public library systems in the U.S. show recent upticks in cardholder membership, circulation and event attendance. Though it's unclear to what extent affordability concerns are pushing people to libraries now, several large public systems have reported growth in recent years. Izzy Rivera reads at least one book every week, but buying them new isn't in her budget. As she saves up for law school, some expenses don't make the cut. That's why Rivera has recently been leaning more on local libraries near her home in Topeka, Kan., checking out both physical books and digital copies on the Libby app. Rivera also went to her library's used book sale last month, where she picked up 15 books for about $20. Rivera also watches movies on the streaming app Kanopy, reads the New York Times at no cost and often passes the time at a local branch.

Watch Read
Tip jar
The illustrated setting for Several large U.S. public library systems have reported growth in recent years

Transcript

  1. WinstonNPR reports that data shared by several of the largest U.S. public library systems show recent increases in library card membership, borrowing and event attendance.
  2. AsherFor those public library systems, how clear is the link between growth and affordability concerns?
  3. WinstonThe extent of that link is unclear. NPR describes Izzy Rivera, a reader saving for law school who reads at least one book every week. Buying new books isn't in her budget.
  4. AsherWhat does that mean for where Rivera gets her books?
  5. WinstonRivera has recently been leaning more on libraries near her home, checking out both physical books and digital copies through the Libby app.
  6. AsherShe's borrowing, but also buying used: last month, Rivera picked up fifteen books for about twenty dollars at her library's used book sale.
  7. WinstonAnd books aren't Rivera's only library use: she watches movies on the streaming app Kanopy, reads the New York Times at no cost, and often spends time at a local branch.
  8. AsherRivera's budget explains why she's leaning more on libraries. That's a concrete individual example, not an explanation of how much affordability is contributing to growth across those large public library systems.

Story sources