Libraries are worth the investment
Libraries are worth the investment: Georgia public libraries provide economic impact and services worth $1 billion annually
Nov. 17, 2025
CONTACT: Deborah Hakes, [email protected]
Atlanta, GA – Georgia’s 408 public libraries provide services worth $857.4 million and economic impacts of $202.8 million annually, according to a study by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG) and funded by the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS).
“Libraries provide tremendous value in return from the investment of public dollars and private donations,” said Julie Walker, vice chancellor for Libraries & Archives and State Librarian. “This study validates what we already know: libraries are foundational to our communities, providing value to Georgians that far outweighs their costs.”
CVIOG found that every $1 of funding to Georgia’s public libraries results in $3.75 in services and economic impact. The most valuable services offered at libraries are access to electronic resources; computer access, including Wi-Fi connection through a personal or library computer; and the circulation of books, videos, and music.
The study evaluates services provided at all public library facilities across the state using both branch and system data provided by GPLS for fiscal year 2024, the last year complete data are available. GPLS reports financial data and library services data based on the state government’s fiscal year.
Over the past five years, there has been a substantial year over year increase in library circulation of electronic resources like ebooks, downloadable audiobooks, and downloadable videos. For example, cardholders checked out more than 4.2 million downloadable audiobooks in 2024 compared to 1.6 million in 2019, a 172% increase.
Public libraries also offer value through meeting and study rooms, programming for all ages, special item circulations like gardening tools or musical instruments, online learning tools ranging from language study to college test preparation, and more.
“From helping children become strong readers, supporting students’ academic success, and connecting job seekers to new opportunities, our libraries, staffed by talented, dedicated individuals, are the heart of their communities,” said Walker. “We encourage everyone to support a strong Georgia by supporting libraries.”
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About Georgia Public Library Service
Georgia Public Library Service supports the operation of 408 individual libraries in 60 systems across the state through innovative, scalable library technology and services; staff training and best practices; grant administration and more to create a quality library experience for patrons, no matter where they live. GPLS is the state library administrative agency and a unit of the Board of Regents, University System of Georgia. georgialibraries.org
ALL PRESS RELEASES
What’s the value of your library?
For many patrons, the value of their library can’t be quantified.
In communities large or small, libraries offer a welcoming space for everyone. Much of a library’s value also comes from the friendly and helpful services they provide to everyone who steps in the door. Free meeting rooms, public computer access, curbside pickup, and a full suite of digital services make it easy for everyone to use the library in the way that works best for them.
