A MESSAGE FROM THE MICHIGAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

‌	August 18, 2022

Dear , Michigan’s public libraries are busy places with more than 7,600 dedicated staff members working to serve over 10 million library patrons. We thought it would be fun to share a snapshot of everything our libraries accomplished in 2021.[1]

In 2021, Michigan public libraries provided:

30,118,440 physical items         10,798 library computers       46,412,493 digital materials 1,325,226 total service hours 99.7% of libraries offered WiFi connectivity

66,465 programs and events  35,358 children’s programs (with over 1 million attendees) 7,756 teen programs (with 109,355 attendees) 16,178 early literacy programs for 0-5-year-olds (with 421,652 attendees)

Throughout the year, Michigan public library users:

Borrowed 37.2 million physical items       Accessed eResources 6.4 million times                       Visited virtually 38.7 million times

Checked out 14.1 million eMaterials Went to the library 12.7 million times Used library WiFi 6.5 million times

On an average day, the 396 public library systems in Michigan offered:

182 enrichment opportunities           9,473 answers to reference questions  35,006 library visits

4,069 computer sessions 17,931 library WiFi sessions 101,918 materials

Our public libraries are places to read, places to gather and socialize, and places to study and learn – cultural institutions in the heart of every community throughout Michigan.  Please let me know if you ever have any questions regarding our public libraries or if we can connect you to the public library director in your region for a visit or help you schedule a coffee hour.

Deborah E. Mikula Executive Director Michigan Library Association Leading the advancement of all Michigan libraries through advocacy, education and engagement [1] Michigan library statistics are compiled by the Library of Michigan from the Annual Report/State Aid Application submitted by public libraries, cooperatives and braille and talking book libraries.