Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts
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Ohio leads the nation in public library borrowing, with residents having checked out more than 13 items per person in FY 2024, according to newly released federal data.
Why it matters: Ohio's library habit isn't new. The state has consistently ranked near the top nationally for circulation, including ranking No. 1 in 2015 and 2016 and No. 2 in 2017.
The big picture: Americans averaged 6.5 library checkouts per person in FY24 — meaning Ohioans borrowed more than twice the national rate, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
- That includes old-fashioned books and other physical items, plus e-books and other electronic materials.
By the numbers: Utah, Washington and Colorado are the only other states to top 10 checkouts per person.
- West Virginia (3.5), Georgia (3.1) and Mississippi (1.9) had among the lowest rates.
Between the lines: Library borrowing nationally continues to rebound from its pandemic-era plunge, fueled in part by digital materials.
- Electronic checkouts reached a decade-high 2.1 per person in FY24, while physical materials remained about twice as popular at 4.3.
The bottom line: Ohio may have found one national ranking everyone can read into.