1. Home
2. Services
3. California Public Library Statistics

California Public Library Statistics

California Public Libraries by the Numbers

The State Library annually collects California Library Statistics, a compilation of statistical data from public libraries throughout the state. Data about physical resources refers to the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Library usage in this section refers to the 2018-2019 fiscal year. It represents typical library usage before buildings closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data can be found on our statistics portal.

1,130
libraries
23.4 M+
library cards
113.7 M+
virtual visits
435,000
public programs
10.6 M+
program attendance
119 M+
total collection items
24.2 M+
uses of public Internet computers
35.5 M+
e-books
24,000
public internet computers

Public Library Facilities Needs

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

• 19/20 California Public Libraries Outlet Survey dataset
• April 2021 Update of the California Public Libraries Outlet Survey dataset
• Instructions for completing the April, 2021 outlet survey

Also collected in the April 2021 survey update was information about libraries' late fines policies. The California public libraries and late fines document contains library-submitted data and is supplemented by an internet search of public library websites. Please contact Meg DePriest with any changes.

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

Tools and Data for and about California Public Libraries

• 2021 Summer reading and summer meals programs in California public libraries
• Public Libraries and Parks Partners: A snapshot survey
  • All responses to park partners survey
• California Public Libraries Emergency Status Map
  • To update your library building’s status, offerings, or other information, please contact Meg DePriest for instructions on how to input new data.
• California Public Libraries' district boundaries
• California Public Libraries Survey data dashboard

Resources for Completing the Public Library Survey

Full California Library Statistics are found on the California Library Statistics Portal.

To access reports for your own library's statistics, including infographics and other handouts, visit your LibPAS account at https://ca.countingopinions.com/. Login and passwords are held by library directors and other account holders in your library. Questions? Contact Meg DePriest.

California's 2019–2020 Public Library Survey will open for data input from September 7 to November 6, 2020.

• 19/20 Public Library Survey Instructions (Word)
• 19/20 Blank Survey Form (Excel)
• Counting Electronic Items Flowchart
• Recording of PLS 2019–20 Information Session conducted August 19, 2020
  If you would like copies of the PowerPoint slides from this webinar, email Meg DePriest.

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.

Archived Webinars

• Niche Academy for Gale Analytics Users
• Using Data for Decision Making
• Eliminating Fines: A win-win for your library and community
• Harnessing Library Data: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and eBook Usage
• Basic Guide to the California Public Library Survey: Accessing data and generating simple reports
• The Power of California Public Library Survey Data: Running comparisons, trend reports, and more

Questions about the California Public Library Survey or upcoming training opportunities? Contact Meg DePriest, State Data Coordinator & Library Programs Consultant