A new report shows that Texas libraries generate almost $4 billion in revenue. Here’s what to know about the recent findings.
On Wednesday, a report titled, “Beyond the Stacks: Measuring the Economic and Community Value of Texas Public Libraries,” was released by the Texas Library Association. The organization partnered with JBK Economics Group to conduct the statewide survey to determine the overall value libraries bring to communities across Texas. Around 300 public libraries participated in the study.
Through the survey, JBK Economics Group found that libraries generate roughly $3.8 billion in community and economic value to the neighborhoods they serve. To simplify the group’s finding: Cities and towns see a return of nearly $5 for every $1 being invested into local libraries. That number was calculated based on the amount of services provided by libraries and the total value of what those services add up to compared to the amount of money spent to maintain them.
The report also noted that around 11,200 jobs were supported by the services offered at public libraries either indirectly or directly, putting more of an intangible price tag on how much good they do for their communities. It’s a particularly impactful survey given that Texas libraries have been facing an uphill battle on several fronts over the last year.
Earlier this month, Mesquite opted to close the North Branch Library amid an extensive budget overhaul. It is, unfortunately, part of a bigger problem facing these state institutions. Cuts are being made to important programs, like the Dallas Public Library’s English classes, despite the fact that libraries hold obvious value to the people they serve.
Libraries serve as community resources in more ways than one
In addition to granting people free access to reading material, Texas libraries serve as community resources in a variety of ways. The buildings themselves provide a safe, quiet space for residents to gather and use free Wi-Fi and enjoy designated meeting spaces. Houston Public Library card holders also enjoy benefits like the Library of Things, where they can borrow musical instruments, cookware, crafting items, and more.
In the “Beyond the Stacks: Measuring the Economic and Community Value of Texas Public Libraries” report, Harris County Public Library received a shout-out for its English classes, adult high school diploma courses, legal resources, career counseling, and college counseling, all of which are free for folks to enjoy. Additional findings noted that public libraries in Texas provide voter registration services or act as voting locations during elections, and they often assist with job applications.
Additionally, libraries typically provide social services on-site and serve as telehealth rooms for those who need them. They also help people apply for government benefits, and they set up partnerships with social services agencies in the area. Shirley Robinson, who serves as the executive director of the Texas Library Association, helped summarize the importance of these spaces.
Robinson said, “Public libraries are practical, welcoming, and rooted in the communities they serve — they are unmistakably Texan. This study puts a dollar value on the opportunities libraries create every day. Whether someone visits a library to apply for a job, access the internet, learn a new skill or simply find a new favorite book, those services create real value for Texans and their communities.”
If you’re looking for even more ways to utilize your Houston Public Library card, here’s 13 things you can do with it beyond checking out books.
