San Antonio library cuts come as study finds billions in value
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Texas public libraries generate nearly $5 in economic and community value for every $1 invested, according to a new statewide study.
Why it matters: The findings come as libraries face tighter local budgets, including in San Antonio, which can mean fewer staff, reduced hours and cuts to services, according to Texas Library Association executive director Shirley Robinson.
By the numbers: The more than 500 public libraries in Texas generated an estimated $3.8 billion in economic benefits in fiscal 2024, including nearly $2.5 billion in the estimated value of services.
- Library spending also directly and indirectly supported 11,200 jobs, per the report.
What they're saying: "This study puts a dollar value on the opportunities libraries create every day," Robinson said at a press conference. "Public libraries deliver value far beyond the books on their shelves," pointing to services ranging from job assistance and internet access to learning new skills and checking out books.
The big picture: Of the nearly 300 library directors surveyed, 82% said their libraries help with job applications, while 68% help residents apply for government benefits and 30% provide telehealth rooms or resources.
Zoom in: San Antonio recently eliminated 39 library positions in its newly adopted fiscal 2027 budget.
- The cuts affect 27 library aide and 12 circulation attendant positions across 17 locations, reducing annual spending by about $946,000, San Antonio Public Library spokesperson Yvonne Ramirez tells Axios.
- The city says the cuts won't affect services or programming. All 30 library branch locations will remain open with the same hours, and the system's 150 professional librarian positions will remain intact, Ramirez says.
- City officials pointed to a 40% decline in physical circulation since 2019 as one reason for the cuts, while digital circulation increased 161% over the same period, per the Express-News.
Zoom out: Hondo Public Library, which serves about 8,600 people with a five-person staff, is highlighted in the report for its digital and financial literacy programs.
- The library expanded Wi-Fi hotspot lending and partnered with groups including San Antonio's CyberPatriot on workforce and career training. About half of participants in its 2025 grant-funded programs were first-time library users who became cardholders.
The bottom line: Go check out a book — and everything else your local library has to offer.