Support Wisconsin Public Libraries
Strong public libraries keep us all in a better state! A 2002 survey conducted for the American Library Association demonstrated that the general public believes in the value and importance of strong public libraries.
- 91% believed public libraries are changing and dynamic places with a variety
of activities for the whole family.
- 91% of respondents believed public libraries will exist in the future, despite
all of the information available on the Internet.
- 90% believed public libraries are places of opportunity for education, self-help,
and offer free access to all.
- 88% agreed public libraries are unique because they provide access to nearly
everything on the Web or in print, as well as personal service and assistance
in finding it.
- 83% believed public libraries and librarians play an essential role in our democracy and are needed now more than ever.
The following are just a few of the many reasons why public libraries are and will continue to be important and valuable to Wisconsin’s citizens:
- Public libraries play an important role in bridging the digital divide by
providing access to computers and electronic resources to everyone. A report
from the Gates Foundation [pdf] finds that “public access computing
is benefiting those socioeconomic groups with the greatest need.”
- Public libraries provide a measurable return on investment. A Florida
study found that public libraries return $6.54 for every $1 dollar invested in
them, and a South Carolina study values the impact of the state’s public
libraries at $347 million, a return of $4.48 for every $1 invested in them? Cost-benefit
studies conducted in five major libraries throughout the country showed positive
returns on investments ranging from 30% to 1000%.
- Children participating in public library Summer Library Programs are significantly
more likely to read well and retain reading gains made during the school year
than children who don’t participate.
- Public libraries help build communities. Libraries are non-threatening community gathering places where people can connect with each other, as well as with a world of information and opportunity. Libraries can also be part of the solution to many of today’s problems. Libraries help children and adults become literate, productive citizens. They provide after school programs, adult and family literacy classes, job information centers, books and other resources to help all ages lead better, satisfying lives.