Research shows that 90% of Americans value public libraries

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, about 90% of Americans aged 16 and older said that the closing of their local public library would have an impact on their community, with 63% saying it would have a "major" impact. Asked about the personal impact of a public library closing, two-thirds said it would affect them and their families, including 29% who said it would have a major impact.

Moreover, the vast majority of Americans ages 16 and older say that public libraries play an important role in their communities:

95% of Americans ages 16 and older agree that the materials and resources available at public libraries play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed;
95% say that public libraries are important because they promote literacy and a love of reading;
94% say that having a public library improves the quality of life in a community;
81% say that public libraries provide many services people would have a hard time finding elsewhere.