California Public Library Statistics

California Public Libraries by the Numbers

Statistics in this section were reported by California’s public libraries as part of the Public Libraries Survey (PLS). Each year, the State Library collects data from California Public Libraries about their facilities, services, programs, and collections. The data below represent the status of libraries for fiscal year 2022-2023. The California PLS is administered by the State Library, and the data are reported to the Institute of Museum and Library Services. More data about public libraries in California

1,127

libraries

 
20.7 M+

library cards

 
4.5 M

children’s cards

74.1 M+

visits to libraries

 
309,400+

public programs

 
7.2 M+

uses of public internet computers

 
22,100+

public Internet computers

142 M+

check-outs of physical materials

 
66.4 M+

check-outs of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eVideos

 

Tools and Data for and about California Public Libraries

California Public Libraries Survey Datasets

The State Library annually collects statistics from California public libraries. Access state-wide totals, comprehensive datasets, and topic-specific reports via Ready Reports: California Public Library Statistics.

California Public Libraries Data Visualizations

Library Service Area Populations

The State Library produces an annual report of the unduplicated population served by each California public library, titled Persons Served by California Public Libraries according to the provisions of Education Code Section 18021. Population Certification Memo from the State Librarian

Public Library Local Income Per Capita (LIPC)

Resources for Completing the Public Libraries Survey

To access reports for your own library’s statistics, including infographics and other handouts, visit your LibPAS account. Login and passwords are held by library directors and other account holders in your library. Questions? Email us about library statistics, maps, and surveys.

California’s 2023-2024 Public Libraries Survey will open for data input on September 3, 2024. Data are due no later than Thursday, October 31, 2024.

2024 Summer Community Impact Report

2024 summer program data will be collected in Counting Opinions. The portal will open in August, 2024.

Deadline for submission: October 2, 2024.

Resources needed to submit required statistics and programming information for your library’s 2024 summer programs:

Summer Community Impact Report questions? Email bebs@cla-net.org.

Online Training Opportunities for California Public Library Staff

Learn about how to access and use your library’s data to meet the needs and aspirations of your community.

Questions about the California Public Libraries Survey or upcoming training opportunities? Email us about library statistics, maps, and surveys.

Public Library Facilities Needs

In April 2021, the Legislature requested an update on the status of California public library infrastructure needs, by legislative district.