California Public Library Statistics

The State Library annually collects California Library Statistics, a compilation of statistical data from public libraries throughout the state. The State Library also produces an annual report of the population served by each California public library, titled Persons Served by California Public Libraries, according to the provisions of Education Code Section 18021.

Persons Served by California Public Libraries 2019

Most Recent Statistics (FY 2017-18 data)

Summary Statistics

Staffing & Facilities

186

jurisdictions

1,133

libraries

17,231

staff

1,614

volunteer FTE per week

Collections & Circulation

84.3 M+

total collection items (physical and digital)

256 M+

total collection use

143.3 M+

$, total collection expenditures

184.4 M+

physical item circulation

21.8 M+

children's books held

3.2 M+

young adult books held

3.1 M+

interlibrary loans made

3.1 M+

interlibrary loans borrowed

Public use

145 M+

library visits

15.2 M+

reference questions

133,139

adult programs

42,504

young adult programs

253,175

children's programs

10.4 M+

total program attendance

26.5 M+

annual uses of public internet computers

124.5 M+

virtual visits to library websites

Full Statistics

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

Resources for Completing the Public Library Survey

California's 2018-19 Public Library Survey will be open for data input from September 9, 2019 to November 1, 2019.