This report provides summary data about public libraries in the fifty states and the District of Columbia (and the outlying area of the Northern Marianas), for state fiscal year 1997, with highlights and numerous tables. Data are included on service measures such as circulation, library visits, reference transactions, public service hours, interlibrary loans, children's program attendance and circulation of children's materials, and on staff, income, and more. NCES Publication Number: 2000316