Florida’s Public LibrariesBuild Strong Economies

Florida’s public libraries return $6.54 for every $1.00 invested

Direct results from investing in public libraries

• Job creation

• Increased wages

• Positive impact on gross regional product

One job is created for every $6,488 of public support (federal, state and local)

For every $1.00 of taxpayer support, income (wages)

increases by $12.66

For every $1.00 of taxpayer support, gross regional product

increases by $9.08

Income increases from public support of Florida public libraries

$0.00

$2.00

$4.00

$6.00

$8.00

$10.00

$12.00

$14.00

Public support tolibraries

Florida incomeincrease

Glenda E. Hood, Secretary of State

“….when governments invest in libraries, it enhances the quality of life in communities and helps

build a diversified economy.”

Libraries enhance thequality of life by

• Meeting work-related needs

• Saving Floridians time and money

• Providing resources for education and lifelong learning

• Satisfying personal needs

Libraries meetwork-related needs

• Research

• Business Location

• Management

• Marketing

• Operations

• Legal

• Financial

Libraries enhance quality of life by saving time and money

• Library users indicated 57.6 million hours or $2.4 billion saved

• People use libraries for education and work-related purposes

• People also use libraries for personal interests

Education uses of public libraries by Florida adults

78%

22%

As students

As teachers

Personal uses

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Other

Occasional problem

Learn about culture, religion, etc.

Job hunting

Day-to-day needs, e.g., shopping

Correspond with friends

News

Personal finances

Health and wellness

Hobby or work around the home

Libraries bridge the digital divide

• Adults made over 25 million remote connections to public libraries

• People use library computers to– Check e-mail– Use library’s catalog– View or download articles– Use online databases– Contact government agencies

Each year, 94 million people visit Florida’s public libraries in person and remotely

51%

37%

7%5%

Adults (18 years old and over)

Children (6–17)

Children (under 6 years old)

Tourists

Florida’s public libraries return $6.54 for every $1.00 invested!

Jeb Bush, GovernorGlenda E. Hood, Secretary of State

Florida Department of StateState Library and Archives of Florida

This publication has been funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Florida Department of State, State Library and Archives of Florida.