Dollars, Sense and Public Libraries - a landmark study

This study has recently been launched by Public Libraries Victoria Network Inc. Click on this link to access the factsheet & reports .

Some of the key findings are:

1. For every dollar invested in Victoria’s public libraries, $3.56 is the average rate of return in community benefits

2. The majority of Victorians are public library customers
63% of Victorian householders used a public library in the past 12 months.
Public library members in Victoria could fill the MCG more than 25 times over.

3. Library customers receive services valued at $419 per year
Library customers surveyed estimated that if they had to pay for the services accessed at their library, it would cost them an average of $419 per year.

4. Victorian public libraries have something for everyone
Public libraries contribute to meaningful pastimes, lifelong learning and finding information. They provide access to a wide variety of resources including books, DVDs, CDs, PCs and the internet. Libraries are a safe and welcoming place to meet and encourage socially responsible
behaviour.

5. People would pay more… but don’t have the capacity to do so

With library services in great demand, it makes sense to keep investing in public libraries!