![2022 Public Libraries Data Digest; purple shape of south dakota with south dakota state library logo](/SDSL/PUBL/DOC/PLFS2023/PLFS2023_COVER.png)
Every year financial and service data is collected from South Dakota's public libraries via the Public Libraries Survey--a statistical survey of all public libraries in the U.S. State-level statistics reported in this publication comprises information collected for calendar year 2022.
Data for the 2023 South Dakota Public Libraries Facts & Stats comes from the South Dakota Public Library Survey held in 2022.
Public Library Outlets
![2022 facts and stats with south dakota map](/SDSL/PUBL/DOC/PLFS2023/PLFS2023_MAP-19.png)
South Dakota has 142 library outlets. 96 of those outlets are stand-alone libraries. Ten libraries have branches (30) or bookmobile outlets (6).
Snapshot of Library Services
![snapshot of library services](/SDSL/PUBL/DOC/PLFS2023/PLFS2023_Snapshot.png)
South Dakota public libraries connect communities through knowledge, imagination, and opportunities. 89% of residents are served by a local public library: 41% have library cards. Libraries welcomed 2.5 million visitors who came to check out materials, attend a program, use the internet, or ask a question.
- Visitors: Local residents and travelers visited South Dakota public libraries 2.5 million times
- Library Internet Access: Visitors used library wifi and public computers to access internet 1.5 million times at South Dakota libraries
- Programming: South Dakota libraries hhosted 330,000 people through program events and activities
- Reference: Librarians answered 260,000 questions including informational and technical assistance
Friends, Foundataion and Volunteers
![friends foundations and volunteers](/SDSL/PUBL/DOC/PLFS2023/PLFS2023_FriendsFoundation-9.png)
It takes great people to make great libraries. Local residents volunteer their time and expertise to support their libraries.
- 25% of libraries have a Friends of the Library group that supports the library through volunteer work, advocacy & fundraising
- 12% of libraries have a Library Foundation to secure additional funding that enhances library services
- 1,000 library volunteers committed over 20,000 hours to South Dakota public libraries
- 600 library trustees guide the mission, funds and policies of their local public libraries
Library Programming
![snapshot of library services](/SDSL/PUBL/DOC/PLFS2023/PLFS2023_LibraryPrograms-15.png)
Library programs bring communities together with educational, cultural, and recreational activities. Libraries provided more than 9,500 programs attended by 180,000 people. Library programs play a crucial role in fostering early literacy skills in children. 72% of attendees at in-person programs were children.
Collection Use
![south dakotans checked out 6.5 items per resident](/SDSL/PUBL/DOC/PLFS2023/PLFS2023_CollectionUse-5.png)
Libraries offer books and more to foster literacy, information, imagination, and access to all kinds of materials. South Dakotans checked out an average of 6.5 items per resident. 87% of libraries offer ebooks. Circulation of digital & streaming media made up 22% of circulation. 41% of circulation transactions were for children's materials.
Computers and Internet
![libraries deliver 24/7 online services for their communities](/SDSL/PUBL/DOC/PLFS2023/PLFS2023_ComputersInternet-22.png)
Libraries provide essential online access and opportunities for all residents. All South Dakotas public libraries provide public computers with internet access. 97% provide free WiFi access. 90% of libraries extend the availability of services such as ebook collections and research databases through their websites which serve as digital branches.
Income and Expenditures
![Income and Expenditures](/SDSL/PUBL/DOC/PLFS2023/PLFS2023_Financials-2.png)
Adequate funding impacts libraries' ability to maintain relevant services. Local governments contributed nearly $31 million in operating revenue. Thoughtful allocation of expenditures delivers knowledgeable staff, diverse resources, and well-kept physical spaces. Public libraries spent an average of $37 per resident providing library services.
A Day in the Life
![A Day in the Life](/SDSL/PUBL/DOC/PLFS2023/PLFS2023_ADayInTheLife.png)
Every day South Dakota public libraries:
- Welcome 6,000 visitors
- Lend 14,500 items to library users
- Answer 700 information and technology questions
- Host 900 people at entertaining and informative events
- Provide computer and internet access 4,000 times