IMLS Releases Annual Data on American Public Libraries
Survey Results from 9,000 Library Systems Now Available

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services today released the latest data from its 2020 Public Libraries Survey. The Public Libraries Survey examines key indicators of public library use, financial health, staffing, and resources. Explore the FY 2020 data and documentation.

Last month the agency released a preview of this data in a two-page infographic “How Public Libraries Adapted to Serve Their Communities at the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” which highlights strategies public libraries used to ensure patrons had access to library services as the pandemic forced closures in communities around the nation beginning in March 2020.

Each year since 1988, the survey has provided a national census of America’s public libraries. The data are collected from approximately 9,000 public library systems comprised of over 17,000 individual main libraries, library branches, and bookmobiles in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.