91´«Ã½

New report demonstrates impact of 2020 Census on libraries and communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A released November 18 reveals that more than $1 billion in federal funding for libraries will be allocated to states based on the 2020 Census. Published by Professor Andrew Reamer of the George Washington Institute of Public Policy at George Washington University, the pinpoints the financial impact the census will have on libraries.

91´«Ã½ President Wanda Brown said, “This study demonstrates why a complete count in the 2020 Census is so important to libraries. A fair, inclusive and complete count in the 2020 Census means that libraries in each state will receive their fair share of federal funding.”

The population count in the decennial census determines the level of funding allotted to each state through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The legislation’s Grants to States program provides federal funding to state library agencies to support libraries in their state. The program is one of that allocates funding to local communities based on data derives from the Census.

In fiscal year 2019, Congress provided more than $160 million for LSTA Grants to States. Thus, if Congress provides level or increased funding each year over the next decade, the results of the 2020 Census will determine the allocation of more than $1 billion in funding for libraries.

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) has been preparing libraries for the impact the decennial census will have on local library resources and staff and is encouraging libraries to partner with community organizations to achieve an accurate count.

For more information on 91´«Ã½ efforts to support a fair, inclusive and complete count in the 2020 Census, visit . Along with 91´«Ã½’s , the site includes links to webinars and tip sheets on specific topics related to libraries’ role in the census, such as outreach to historically undercounted groups and partnering with state and local Complete Count Committees.

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