An infographic has been developed showing the benefits of federal funding to California libraries. The primary source of funding is through Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding, which is one of the programs offered by the Institute of Library and Muesum Services. California received nearly $16M in LSTA funding in FY 2024-25.

DATA SOURCES FOR INFOGRAPHIC

Federal funding for libraries is guaranteed each year by Congress and authorized under law. In 2023-2024, California received $15.9 million in Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, or 40 cents per Californian. Federal funds support veterans, allow for group purchasing of materials, and improve literacy for job seekers. LSTA funding fills gaps in library budgets and frees local funding to meet local needs. Federal Communications Commission reimbursements – approximately $10.8 million in 2023-2024 – make broadband affordable for libraries and schools.

500K literacy learners and their families
Improved reading skills lead to better jobs, higher wages, and financial independence. Federal funds pay for tools and training for learners, volunteer tutors, and library staff. Over four decades, more than 500,000 adult learners and family members in 633 libraries across the state have benefitted from California literacy programs.

43K+ Veteran one-on-one appointments
Libraries connect U.S. Veterans to their earned benefits. More than 1.5 million former service members live in California. In one-on-one appointments and in group programs, veterans learn about benefits they are entitled to, prepare for certificate testing, and translate military skills to civilian life. In seven years, they received support in over 43,000 one-on-one appointments, with 104,000 attending educational programs.

4,000+ annual job fair attendees
Libraries support employment, career development, and skill building for job seekers. Californians visit career fairs and job centers, work with tutors for GED and adult education courses, practice interview skills, and work with library staff to improve their applications and resumes.

150K eBooks available for all Californians
Group purchasing frees up local library budgets. Federal dollars pay for shared digital newspaper subscriptions and eBooks, phone support for rural library patrons, and library staff training. Local money is reserved for local patrons’ needs. On an annual basis, local library workers attend free classes more than 45,000 times.

6 Million Californians served by local library grantees
Grants to local libraries meet local needs. Federal funds bolster libraries’ budgets to pay for senior tech help and exercise classes, tool-lending libraries, play spaces for toddlers, and even privacy booths for telehealth appointments in rural areas.

574,600 items checked out annually
Since 1931, Congress has required every state to provide materials to people with blindness and low vision. California’s four regional Braille and Talking Book libraries provide books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, and newspapers for the over 797,000 Californians with visual impairment.

1 in 5 Californians don’t have access to high-speed internet
Libraries connect Californians to the internet. Especially in rural areas, people rely on local libraries for reliable broadband essential for education, workforce and economic development, healthcare appointments, and public safety updates. The federal E-Rate program makes broadband affordable for local libraries and schools.

(A PowerPoint template of this infographic has been made available for other organizations to use)