California Library Statistics - California State Library

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.

Most Recent Statistics (FY 2018–19 data)

Staffing & Facilities

186

jurisdictions

1,128

libraries

17,355

staff

1,486

volunteer FTE per week

Collections & Circulation

98.6 M+

total collection items (physical and digital)

256 M+

total collection use

150.1 M+

$, total collection expenditures

181.9 M+

physical item circulation

21.8 M+

children's books held

3.1 M+

young adult books held

3.5 M+

interlibrary loans made

3.3 M+

interlibrary loans received

Public use

138 M+

library visits

14.5 M+

reference transactions

139,959

adult programs

43,718

young adult programs

251,481

children's programs

10.6 M+

total program attendance

24.1 M+

annual uses of public internet computers

113.7 M+

virtual visits to library websites

Full Statistics

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

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.

Courses

Check back for registration links for future events

Public Libraries and Data Privacy Advocacy — a 4 week course — starts March 17, 2020
Introduction to Asset Based Community Development: Discovering & Unleashing Local Abundance — a 4 week course — starts April 28, 2020
Public Libraries Fostering Data Literacy — a 4 week course — starts May 19, 2020

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