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Library borrowing in MO, KS beat national average
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Kansans and Missourians make about the same number of library checkouts per person, federal data shows.
The big picture: We read, listened, watched and learned more than the national average in FY 2024, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services survey.
- That figure includes physical items and electronic materials like e-books.
By the numbers: Kansas and Missouri both reported roughly 8.5 checkouts per person, while the national average was 6.5.
- Ohio came in No. 1 with more than 13 per person, while Mississippi came in last at fewer than 2.
Between the lines: U.S. library circulation per person is rebounding from its pandemic-era drop, helped by a boom in digital borrowing.
- Electronic material checkouts reached a decade-high 2.1 per person in FY 2024, per IMLS.
- Physical checkouts remain twice as common, at 4.3 per person.
The bottom line: Take this as a reminder to finally get your library card — or return those expired books.