Policy brief from the James A. & Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research | Idaho at a Glance. April 2017, Vol. 8, No.2 | In an increasingly online world, Idaho's 103 library jurisdictions might have met the same fate as other "brick and mortar" entities facing lower patronage and greater competition from Internet-based services, but in fact, Idaho library use has never been higher. In fiscal year 2015, there were more than 8.6 million visits to public libraries in Idaho. In fiscal year 2014, Idaho libraries had the 5th highest per capita circulation of children's materials and attendance at children's programs in the nation. Attendance at young adult programs ranked 7th per capita and has increased 139% over the past five years. While attendance at adult programs was 39th in the nation, per capita, turnout at adult programs has increased by 40% in Idaho during the past five years. This issue of Idaho at a Glance offers an overview of Idaho's library community, describes the roles it plays in education and workforce development, and outlines implications for policy.
