Freckle Project releases new report examining 15 years of US public library use
The Freckle Project last week announced the release of “15 Years of IMLS Figures,” a new report examining national public library data from 2010 through 2024 and highlighting significant changes in how Americans are using public libraries.
Led by researcher Tim Coates and published with support from the EveryLibrary Institute, the August 2026 report analyzes 15 years of data published by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The report identifies a striking contrast. American public libraries have more facilities, more staff and higher levels of funding than at any point during the period examined, while several major measures of physical library use. particularly the circulation of books for adults, remains substantially below their 2010 levels.
In 2024, the United States had 17,580 public library facilities and 147,289 library employees, both the highest levels recorded during the 15-year period examined. Public libraries also received nearly $18 billion for operations, the highest level of operational funding during the period, along with another $1.6 billion for capital expenditures.
At the same time, annual library visits declined from approximately 1.57 billion in 2010 to 869 million from 2010 to 2024, with declines experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns reversing steadily. Total circulation of library materials declined over the 15-year study period from approximately 2.47 billion to 1.71 billion.
Key Findings in the 2026 Report:
Adult Physical Circulation Has Fallen Approximately 68 Percent
After subtracting electronic and children's circulation from total circulation, the report estimates that physical circulation to adults declined from approximately 1.63 billion in 2010 to approximately 521 million in 2024, a decrease of approximately 68 percent.
Electronic Circulation Continues to Rise
While overall circulation has declined, electronic circulation has moved in the opposite direction. Annual circulation of electronic materials increased substantially over the period examined, reflecting the growing role of ebooks and other digital materials in public library use.
Public Library Funding Has Reached Record Levels
Public libraries received nearly $18 billion for operations in 2024, the highest level during the period examined. When capital funding is included, total public library funding reached approximately $19.5 billion. Local funding accounted for approximately 83 percent of that total.
Libraries Are Spending Less on Printed Materials Than in 2010
Annual spending on printed materials declined from approximately $846 million in 2010 to approximately $741 million in 2024, while spending on digital materials increased from approximately $156 million to approximately $724 million.
The Number of Physical Books Available Has Declined
The report shows the number of printed books held by U.S. public libraries falling from approximately 812 million in 2010 to approximately 639 million in 2024. Physical audiobook holdings also declined during the same period.
The report argues that reversing these trends requires closer attention to what readers are looking for when they enter their local libraries. Coates recommends examining declining use of print at the branch and collection level, strengthening core fiction and nonfiction collections, improving access to backlist titles, and making physical collections easier and more inviting to browse.
One of the report's central questions for collection development is not simply “What circulates?” but “What doesn't circulate because we haven't got it?” The Freckle Report recommends addressing declining use branch by branch and shelf by shelf to better understand whether local collections are meeting the needs of their communities.
Coates also joined John Chrastka, Executive Director of the EveryLibrary Institute, for a new video conversation exploring the report's findings and what they could mean for the future of public library print collections and services.
The full report can be accessed at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1msd7LCCLK_9M7LEzcjZwnZPpXEC5q-Kt/view.
About the Freckle Project
The Freckle Project, led by researcher Tim Coates, examines reading habits, library use and the ways Americans find and access books. Its research uses national library statistics and reader surveys to identify changes in reading behavior and library use.
About the EveryLibrary Institute
The EveryLibrary Institute is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting libraries and librarians through research, policy, training and public education.