Library digital media checkouts up 41% as Americans cut costs

OverDrive, the company operating the Kanopy streaming platform, reported a 41% increase in users last year. This surge in digital consumption coincides with a national trend of consumers reducing discretionary spending. The data suggests that public library systems are capturing a larger share of the entertainment market as private subscription costs rise.

The shift toward library resources accelerated after the pandemic forced users to adopt digital media. Before the pandemic, digital circulation was already trending upward, but the lockdowns accelerated the change. Los Angeles Public Library senior librarian Edwin Rodarte noted that the pandemic boosted existing trends, causing digital usage to skyrocket afterward.

Financial pressure remains the primary driver of this behavior. A Pew Research Center survey released in mid-October found that 44% of Americans struggled to afford at least one basic necessity in the past year. Additionally, 70% of adults reported cutting back on extras such as streaming services. These economic realities push consumers toward free alternatives provided by local institutions.

Major library systems report measurable growth in engagement. The Los Angeles Public Library saw makerspace usage grow by 37% between the last two fiscal years. Digital circulation and library visits at that same system rose by over 20%. In Chicago, in-person visits, adult library card applications, and Wi-Fi sessions all jumped by more than 11% from January through July. Maricopa County Library District recorded a 78% surge in Hoopla use over the past three years.

Local systems mirror these national trends. The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library logged an 8.1% increase in digital media checkouts last year, though physical circulation declined. The library also reported a surge in requests for tech support, including assistance with online job applications. This indicates that libraries are becoming central nodes for digital literacy and professional development.

Libraries are expanding their offerings beyond books to retain users. Many branches now lend items such as WiFi hotspots, induction cooktops, and camping gear. At the Free Library of Philadelphia, a biweekly crafting meetup provides sewing machines and materials at no cost. Patrons can use these facilities to develop skills or complete projects without incurring the upfront costs of private equipment.

The financial model for these services is facing scrutiny. The Trump administration recommended zeroing out funding for the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services in its April budget proposal for the current fiscal year. Although the administration reinstated grants after 21 states sued to block the initial cuts, the agency remains under threat. Maria McCauley, president of the American Library Association, stated that libraries rely on a mix of federal, state, and local funding to operate.

Libraries continue to provide services that address immediate community needs. One survey found that 56% of libraries offered food security support services last year. This support came as major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program led to millions of Americans losing food benefits. The institutions are positioning themselves as essential infrastructure for cost-saving and community support.