Here is a previous topic of the value of libraries: Why writers should stand up for libraries
So, before people start ranting about how they know libraries are a waste of taxpayer money, here is exactly what I posted in that other topic:
A quick search seems to indicate that library use is increasing and involves more than just being a “wireless hub”:
A 2007 study showed that visits to public libraries increased 61% between 1994 and 2004 ( http://www.ala.org/news/news/pressreleases2007/april2007/salpr07 )
A 2010 study in California showed in a typical day more than one million people visit a library and more than 770,000 items were checked out or renewed ( http://www.cla-net.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=124 )
Public programs attract lots of people and seem to have a positive relationship with circulation rates and reference questions (2011 CO study) ( http://www.lrs.org/documents/fastfacts/298_Programming.pdf )
Students who attend summer reading programs at public libraries demonstrate higher reading achievement ( http://gslis.dom.edu/sites/default/files/documents/IMLS_executiveSummary.pdf1 )
Parents seem to think libraries are really important ( http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/05/01/parents-children-libraries-and-reading/ )
Books in print dominate the physical portion of a library’s collection ( http://www.imls.gov/imls_2010_public_library_survey_results_announced.aspx ) (I had to use cached version of the page to read it).
[You can look up a lot of information for specific libraries: http://www.lrs.org/data-tools/public-libraries/other-states/ ]
What about cost?
A 2004 Florida report showed that public libraries there return $6.54 for every $1.00 invested ( http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/bld/roi/pdfs/ROISummaryReport.pdf )
A 2008 Wisconsin study estimates $4.06 return on investment for each dollar of taxpayer investment ( http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/files/pld/pdf/wiimpactsummary.pdf )
Colorado libraries show an average ROI of about 5 to 1 (2009 study) ( http://www.lrs.org/documents/closer_look/roi.pdf )
A 2012 Texas study showed $4.42 return for every dollar invested ( https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/roi )
