Where Data Tells the Story
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Where in the U.S. are public library services most widely distributed relative to population?
According to the Institute of Museum and Library Services' Public Libraries Survey for fiscal year 2024, Vermont leads the nation with 29.39 public library service points per 100,000 residents. Maine follows with 18.74, while Iowa ranks third with 17.77.
The infographic ranks the top 10 states and maps library service-point density across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It also reveals differences in the types of services available. While central libraries account for most service points in many top-ranked states, Wyoming stands out: 66.2% of its service points are branches, compared with 29.9% classified as central libraries.
Service points include central libraries, branches, bookmobile service points, and books-by-mail-only outlets. The figures measure service-point density, not library use, circulation, or access quality. Population figures are based on the U.S. Census Bureau's revised 2024 estimates (Vintage 2025).