re: What are the point of public libraries anymore?

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Are most local libraries federally funded?


Most receive supplemental funding from federal dollars. Some smaller cities receive very little. Other libraries in larger cities receive much more. Point being, if it's so important to your community, your community should receive no federal money.

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I hate to agree with Pecker, but he is right. The Federal Government does help fund libraries across the country. The Institute of Museum and Library Services manages funding between the Feds and the state library organizations, which then filters funding to the local level. Summer reading programs at your local library? Primarily funded through IMLS grants. Interlibrary loan? IMLS grants. Perservation of rare materials? Digitization projects? IMLS. As an example EBRPL directly received a grant for $2,740 in 2009 for the purchase of two thermo-hygrometers, a portable light meter, and acid-free storage materials to be used in the Baton Rouge Room, which houses the archival material related to people, businesses, and the government of the city and the parish. That grant money helps to offset operating cost in the special collections area of the library, and helps avoid historical material being destroyed by nature and time.

If you want to look at how and where the money is spent, go to Awarded Grants Search. Libraries receive Federal funding so they can offer more services people use, and are required to document how the money is used. If you have a concern about the operation of the system, contact your state library and your elected officials to learn more.