Libraries
The role and use of public libraries is changing as more information becomes available to people through the use of individual technology. Despite these changes, a large majority of Americans still believe that public libraries bring value to their local communities. In-person library use has steadily declined over the past decade in the advent of the digital age. In the past four years, however, the rapid digitization of libraries and availability of electronic resources may help to partially offset the decline in library usage. 

Public library usage remains relatively equally spread across urban, rural, and suburban areas and across races. Women and young people reported higher rates of usage as compared to their male and older counterparts. During the pandemic, specifically,  libraries served as a resource for computers, public wi-fi, and job search resources, particularly for low-income communities. People also reported using libraries for health information, learning about community events and resources, and learning new technologies.

Written by Kyra Chan