Libraries draw millions of kids each summer, but funding varies dramatically across California

For many California children, summertime means lazy days spent browsing library aisles, discovering new favorite books or just finding a cool place to hang out. California has more than 1,100 public libraries, with more than 4.35 million children registered at their local library. But what those libraries offer children varies widely depending on their funding. San Francisco Public Library, for example, receives $220 per resident while Kern County Library receives just $13 per resident despite serving a slightly larger population and twice as many children.

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$59

the average library funding per resident in California in 2024-25 — up 56% from $38 in 2015-16.

4.35million

number of children registered with a library to borrow books and access other library services in 2024-25.

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