Public libraries serve 97% of the US.

https://www.imls.gov/research-evaluation/data-collection/public-libraries-survey

E-books have allowed libraries to nearly double their “per capita” holdings.

Printed books collections have purposefully declined by one-quarter in the last decade.

Electronic holdings have accelerated.

Printed materials have quickly fallen to less than half of total holdings.

Total library visits increased from 1995-2010 before declining in the last decade.

Annual library visits remain above 4 per person.

Reference desk visits have fallen by one-quarter as the internet provides answers.

Total circulation remains above 2 billion items per year.

Total circulation per person remains above 7 items per year.

6 books per person per year are checked out of pubic libraries.

Electronic books have grown from zero to 1 title per person per year.

Libraries have doubled the number of programs they offer to the local community.

Program attendance has risen accordingly.

In the 1990’s and “oughts” libraries added internet accessible computers.

The number of computer sessions at the library peaked in 2010.

Starting in 2000, libraries provided internet access to patrons on their own computers.

The sum of library computer plus library wi-fi access computers grows.

The real (inflation-adjusted) cost of public libraries per person has been flat for the last 20 years.

Library staffing peaked in 2000 and has declined since then.