Library Statistics

Minnesota's public libraries are required by law (Minnesota Statutes, section 134.13) to submit annual reports to the Minnesota Department of Education. The data is submitted to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for its Public Libraries in the United States Survey.

The Minnesota Public Library Annual Report (MPLAR) includes input and output measures related to facilities, services, programs, collections, staffing, hours of operation, and income and expenditures. Statistical information is used by public libraries and policymakers to plan and implement services that meet the needs of their communities.

State Library Services is no longer collecting voluntary data on school library media centers. If you have questions on this topic, please contact State Library Services.

View the official individual public library annual reports 2011 to 2019.

2019 Minnesota Public Library Annual Report - 11/9/20

If you have questions about these summaries, or would like to see additional analyses, please contact Verena Getahun.

2019 Minnesota Public Library Key Statistics - 11/12/20
Minnesota Public Library Report, 2018 Key Statistics - 7/11/19
Minnesota Public Library Internet Connectivity, 2017 - 8/6/18
Minnesota Public Library Report Trends, 2011-17 - 8/2/18
Minnesota Public Library Community Engagement, 2017 - 8/2/18
Minnesota Public Library Services, 2017 - 8/2/18
Minnesota Public Library Structure, 2017 - 7/27/18

State Library Services collects public library statistical data through Library Performance Assessment Solution (LibPAS). Public libraries may generate reports using the Manage Reports module (username and password required).

Public libraries in Minnesota will submit 2020 data from January 29, 2021 through April 1, 2021.

Visit the documentation page in LibPAS to find instructions, guides for finding the right data, and a worksheet to help you prepare your numbers.

If you have any questions about the report, please contact Verena Getahun.