Louisiana’s public libraries recorded 11.3 million visits in 2024, as library engagement continues its steady, postpandemic rebound, and libraries throughout the state provide consistent access to basic services across all community sizes. The State Library of Louisiana reported the findings in its recently released 2024 edition of Public Libraries in Louisiana: Statistical Report, the annual compilation of usage and operational data gathered from public library systems across the state.
“This year’s numbers tell an inspiring story about Louisiana’s public library system,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “At a time when we’re often told people are disconnected and disengaged, our public libraries continue to serve as learning and enrichment centers in their communities. The steady, upward trend in engagement is a testament to the hard work of our librarians and library staff who provide great service and develop valuable programs that resonate with Louisiana citizens.”
The number of physical visits to Louisiana public library locations increased by 8.56 percent and libraries offered 1,512 more programs than in 2023. Three new public library branches opened in Louisiana during 2024, and there are currently 337 public library locations and 28 bookmobiles in operation in 68 systems throughout the state. Sixty-seven of the state’s 68 public library systems provided data for the 2024 report.
Key insights from the report include: Louisiana public library visits totaled 11,293,808 for 2024, an increase of 890,937 visits (8.56 percent) over 2023, and an increase of 4,659,795 (70.2 percent) over 2020 and the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Louisiana had 2.28 million library cardholders in 2024, approximately 52 percent of the state.
Nearly 71 million items were checked out at public libraries throughout the year.
Librarians answered over 2.6 million reference questions in person and online.
Nearly 90,000 in-person and live virtual programs were hosted by public libraries.
More than 78,000 items were borrowed for patrons by their home library from another library through the state Interlibrary Loan System, an 11.6 percent increase over 2023.
The use of public library public internet workstations (1.6 million sessions) and wireless access (5.6 million sessions) remained largely unchanged from 2023.
“Louisiana’s libraries have proven to be incredibly resilient and forwardthinking institutions,” said State Librarian Meg Placke. “The continuing growth in both visits and program participation shows that libraries are meeting people where they are to provide quality service in their communities. Libraries have also embraced innovation to address today’s information needs while maintaining their core mission of providing free, equitable access to resources.”
The report’s visit and circulation numbers indicate that Louisiana has succeeded in ensuring library services reach all residents proportionally. Larger metropolitan area libraries account for 57 percent of all library visits statewide (6.4 million visits, 2.91 visits per capita) and 42 percent of library cardholders. While rural libraries account for only 3 percent of total visits, they achieve 2.02 visits per capita, which is comparable to systems of larger size.
Metropolitan libraries circulated 3.91 items per resident in 2024 – only slightly higher than rural (3.18) and mid-size (3.02) libraries. Across all tiers, circulation per capita ranges only from 2.95 to 3.91. Louisiana’s balanced per capita visit and circulation rates confirm that residents across all measured community types have similar access to basic library resources.
Circulation and collection numbers in the 2024 report reflect significant changes made by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to the methodology used in determining those numbers. Beginning with 2024, e-books, downloadable audio and video, and multiple databases are no longer being counted in collection size numbers. They are instead counted by usage in circulation numbers, where they were not previously reported. These changes resulted in a large increase in circulation numbers and a large decrease in collection numbers for 2024, establishing a new baseline for tracking those statistics going forward.
