McDonald’s Corp.,which has more than 13,000 stores in the U.S., has recently given a classic menu item a makeover, reportedly amid efforts to boost sales.
However, there is another institution that outnumbers McDonalds in the U.S. and has continuously evolved to meet people’s needs for free—public libraries.
There are approximately 17,000 individual public library outlets (main libraries, branches, and bookmobiles) in the U.S., according to the 2022 Public Library Survey conducted by Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). These libraries annually serve nearly 174 million registered borrowers, offer six million programs for people of all ages, and record 1.2 billion circulations of library materials.
Libraries are one of America’s greatest assets, intricately woven into the fabric of everyday life. Having grown up in South Korea, where libraries play somewhat different roles, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the unique value American libraries bring to individuals and society at large—both personally and professionally.
Since arriving in the U.S. in 2005 for my Master’s and PhD in Library and Information Sciences, I’ve valued the support of local libraries, from participating in English programs for new immigrants to now enjoying their role with my young children. As a researcher and educator at a nationally top-ranked library program, I’ve conducted extensive nationwide research on the impact of libraries.
Many Americans may not fully recognize the significance of libraries, perhaps because libraries have always been a constant presence in their lives, quietly serving their communities, or because they haven’t experienced societies or communities where libraries don’t fulfill such vital functions.
Some may wonder why we still need libraries in the digital age and the era of AI. You might argue there’s no need to visit a library to check out a book when eBooks are easily accessible at your fingertips. You may also feel that asking a librarian is unnecessary when you consider yourself an expert at finding information on Google, Wikipedia, YouTube, Reddit, or ChatGPT.
Or perhaps you have fond memories of libraries—recalling how you loved reading books and studying in their quiet spaces—yet still question whether libraries should remain a funding priority, given today’s competing demands on taxpayers’ money. However, these views are often rooted in traditional images and nostalgic notions of libraries.
Contemporary American libraries are far more than places for books; they are centers for community well-being and social equity. It’s truly remarkable how modern U.S. libraries have evolved to reflect a fast-changing society and digital advancements, becoming critical infrastructure that ensures everyone has access to the information and services they need for learning, growth, and empowerment. Libraries remain an essential public good.
This past summer, my family spent precious time in South Korea, my home country. However, while searching for family-friendly activities for my preschoolers, I noticed a stark difference: many activities that are free in U.S. public libraries are offered by private businesses in South Korea, often at a much higher cost.
In South Korea, there are many high-quality, well-established commercial tutoring services and extra-curricular lessons for story times, reading discussions, homework help, STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), and even game-based lessons that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills.
They come at a premium. Additionally, there are upscale kids’ cafes and play areas, but they are expensive, too. The steep cost of private education exacerbates social inequality, with many reports and research suggesting it is a major contributing factor to South Korea’s low birth rate—now considered a national emergency.
Yes, learning occurs everywhere—in communities and homes. Informal learning plays a unique and critical role: it is driven by the learner’s interests and passions, fostering creativity, open inquiry, and learning through trial and error.
These qualities are often harder to nurture in formal schooling, where standards and testing dominate. Such vigorous out-of-school learning opportunities need to be available in the public sector, not just in private venues, to promote social equity and collective well-being.
Back in the U.S., I can’t imagine raising my children without our local libraries. From the moment they were born, our family has created treasured memories there. Library use can begin as early as birth—or even before, with programs like “Mother Goose on the Loose,” designed for babies, toddlers, expectant parents, and even infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
Families with young children flock to these free spaces filled with books, digital media, toys, play areas, creative programs, and welcoming librarians. The value of libraries goes far beyond their walls—they meet communities where they are.
One example is Laundromat Story Time, where librarians bring story time to laundromats in lower-income neighborhoods, promoting early literacy and offering parents guidance and support.
As someone who spent my youth in another culture—where I was a hardworking student focused on academics but didn’t experience much empowerment or ownership over my learning—I both admire and envy the young people who have their own spaces in libraries and interact with youth services librarians as mentors.
For example, in Illinois, at Urbana Free Library’s Teen Open Lab, teens are encouraged to explore their interests, whether it’s games, music, writing poetry, painting skateboards, or cooking. Library spaces like Learning Labs and Studios across the country offer young people high-quality educational experiences, access to tools, technology, and mentors that might otherwise be out of reach.
In the U.S. you can find libraries in small rural towns and large urban cities– and they are free and open to everyone. The approximately 146,500 librarians in the U.S. are highly qualified professionals, trained not only in books and information but also in understanding and serving their communities, often through rigorous Master’s programs accredited by the American Library Association.
It is time to ensure FY2025 funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the leading source of federal funding for America’s libraries, does not fall short. It is critical for policy makers, elected officials, advocates, and community leaders to sustain robust budgetary support for libraries, which play a vital role in enriching the lives of millions of Americans.