Palaces for some people? Inequity in library access and services across the United States

It is broadly recognized that libraries are a vital social infrastructure, however, disparities in access persist. Using 2021 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the American Community Survey, we use quantitative methods to investigate place differences in public library access and services across the United States. Results show, for example, a positive association between the percentage of white residents and the odds of having a library in the county. Additionally, libraries in rural tracts were open less and had less funding, staff, and programs than those in urban tracts. The findings demonstrate key inequities in library access.