Public libraries provide free resources for research, literacy education, and events. Funding comes from national, state, and local sources, grants, and private donations. Budget cuts threaten library survival, making community support important through volunteering or donating.
Public libraries are an excellent resource for research, literacy education, and reading-oriented events. Most cities have one or share library services with other cities through a mobile library, and use of a public library is free for all residents who wish to apply for a library card. Especially in the United States, severe budget cuts have severely impacted funding for these libraries, raising concerns in some areas about the survival of the local library.
There are several primary sources for library funding, starting with national funds which are distributed to states or provinces. These regions often offer additional funding when they send funds to public libraries. Local municipalities also play an important role in providing library funding, and most librarians apply for grants to supplement these funds. Finally, private donations help support libraries; Most libraries have an association of library friends who hold fundraising sales and pay annual dues to help maintain the library.
The proportions of the funding depend on where the library is located. In general, the municipality provides the largest percentage of funding to public libraries; at least half as often, if not more. These funds are raised from local taxes, library fines, parking tickets, and other tools used to generate revenue for a city or country. At the state and national levels, funding is determined by budget allocation, and professional librarian organizations typically lobby heavily for more funding from libraries to purchase books, pay staff, expand libraries, build a bilingual collection, and provide other valuable support services.
Grants and private donations can also be used to provide a substantial amount of funding for public libraries, and some large libraries maintain separate staff to increase the amount of funding they can obtain through these sources. Grants include technology grants that allow libraries to install and upgrade computer systems, grants that focus on a particular topic such as science, fiction, children’s books, or local history, and education grants that support local community efforts such as after school reading programs. Many private donors are happy to support their local public libraries by donating funds or including the library in their wills, and libraries reward their high-profile donors with prizes such as after-hours visits or privileged access to special collections.
By combining multiple resources, enterprising librarians can keep their libraries useful, informative, and fun for browsers. When it comes to supporting public libraries, every little thing counts: If you can’t afford to donate to a local library, think about volunteering to help set aside, lead after-school programs, or organize fundraisers. Being active with your public library is a very important way to contribute to your local community.
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