Texas public libraries generate nearly five times the value of the public money invested in them, according to a new statewide study released by the Texas Library Association.
The report, Beyond the Stacks: Economic and Community Value of Texas Public Libraries, found that every $1 invested in the state’s public libraries generated $4.74 in community value. Libraries delivered an estimated $3.8 billion in total economic benefits during fiscal year 2024.
The analysis comes as major Texas cities grappling with budget crunches look to cut funding for their libraries. A budget approved by San Antonio City Council on Thursday cuts 39 library positions to help the city deal with its $158.1 million budget deficit.
The state’s public libraries have also faced attacks from right-wing groups eager to ban books and cut off young people’s access to reading material they find objectionable.
“Public libraries are practical, welcoming and rooted in the communities they serve — they are unmistakably Texan,” Texas Library Association Executive Director Shirley Robinson said in a statement. “This study puts a dollar value on the opportunities libraries create every day.”
The study, commissioned by the Texas Library Association with support from the Mellon Foundation, was conducted by JBK Economics Group.
Researchers attributed some $2.5 billion of the estimated economic benefit to library services, including physical and electronic materials, programs, database research, reference services and internet and Wi-Fi access.
Another $1.35 billion in statewide economic activity resulted from libraries’ operating and capital spending, according to the analysis. Public libraries also directly and indirectly supported an estimated 11,200 Texas jobs.
Additionally, the study highlighted libraries’ role in providing employment and business resources. Of the libraries responding to a statewide survey, 82% reported providing job-application assistance, while 60% offered economic or demographic data. More than half provided business-related databases or programs and workshops.
Separate polling conducted by KRC Research on behalf of the association found that 90% of Texans surveyed believe public libraries should be treated as an essential public service such as community centers, schools and public transportation.
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