Value of the Library

The public library requires nothing of its visitors: no purchases, no membership fees, no dress code. You can stay all day, and you don’t have to buy anything. You don’t need money or a library card to access a multitude of on-site resources that includes books, e-books and magazines, job-hunting assistance, computer stations, free Wi-Fi, and much more. And the library will never share or sell your personal data.

Libraries throughout the state of New Hampshire offer a variety of entertainment and educational materials to taxpayers at a very economical rate.

The average New Hampshire taxpayer contributes about $33 in taxes per year to fund public libraries and their services.  How much would they need to pay out-of-pocket if they purchased their books, movies and other library services in stores? 

Everyone knows you can save money on books by checking them out at the library instead of buying them. But did you know that libraries can help you save on other things too?

In some locations, you can borrow tools (saving a purchase at the hardware store), take free language classes and even get free tickets to local museums and attractions.

A meta-analysis of findings from 38 previous library ROI (Return On Investment) studies found that, on average, the return value for public libraries is 4 to 5 times the amount invested.

Libraries in America are cornerstones of the communities they serve. Free access to the books, ideas, resources, and information in America’s libraries is imperative for education, employment, enjoyment, and self-government.