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Use the facts, figures, and other information presented here to assert the critical role of libraries in your community.

The shares of American 9- and 13-year-olds who say they read for fun on an almost daily basis have dropped from nearly a decade ago and are at the lowest levels since at least the mid-1980s, according to a survey conducted in late 2019 and early 2020 by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). (November 2021)

In this revision of a 2001 policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advocates for a balanced approach to media use with children and adolescents ages 8-17 to minimize the health risks of excessive consumption. Among other recommendations, the statement suggests parents develop "media diets" for their children and engage in regular co-viewing to maximize positive outcomes. Use this report to show how libraries can help create meaningful media experiences for youth through family engagement and community partnerships. (October 2013)

Published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, this report addresses why children from low-income families are often unable read at grade level by the end of third grade and how this challenge affects their graduation rates. (2013)

Published by the Institute of Museum and Library Services in conjunction with the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, this report focuses on three early learning challenges faced by low-income communities (school readiness, school attendance, and summer learning loss) and how libraries and museums can act as equalizers for combating these challenges. (June 2013)

This 2016 Pew Research Center report shows Americans’ attitudes towards public libraries, library usage and engagement, and a portrait of those who have never been to libraries. It discusses how Americans have a generally positive view of libraries and are divided about whether space should be used more for books or technology. (September 2016)

This article analyzes the 2015 PEW research report and discusses how the majority of Americans think libraries serve the educational needs of their communities, but many do not know key education services libraries provide. (September 2015)

This 2016 Pew research report is not directly library related but addresses relevant users and needs that libraries address. It discusses the desire of adults to take advantage of lifelong learning opportunities, along with technology access tools. (March 2016).

“Roughly a quarter of American adults (23%) say they haven’t read a book in whole or in part in the past year, whether in print, electronic or audio form, according to a Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted Jan. 25-Feb. 8, 2021. Who are these non-book readers?” This report can be used to highlight the importance of encouraging reading at an early age. (September 2021)

This 2014 Pew Research report evaluates how those under 30 engage with libraries. The report explores this age group's attitudes towards public libraries as well as the extent to which they value libraries’ roles in their communities. (September 2014).