Public libraries sometimes get taken for granted, but they're actually highly valued by community members -- and as such, they're potentially important partners in any effort to inform and engage communities. A new Pew report sheds light on who uses public libraries, and why they value this institution.

According to How Americans Value Public Libraries in Their Communities, published today by Pew Internet, just over half (54%) of Americans age 16 and older have used a public library in some way in the last 12 months (visited a library, or used a library website). People who hold a library card are especially likely to do this.

A clear majority -- 63% -- of Americans over 16 say that if their public library closed it would have a major impact on their community (although Asian Americans were significantly less likely than other ethic groups to hold this view). Only 29% say that the closure of their local public library would have a major impact on themselves and their family.

Most public library services are free or low-cost -- but in general, higher-income people are somewhat more likely to use library services. Also, younger people are generally somewhat more likely to visit libraries or bookmobiles and use library websites than older people.

Why do people value local public libraries? Here's what respondents to Pew's survey strongly agree with:

• 77%: Libraries promote literacy and a love of reading.
• 72%: They provide free access to materials and resources, and play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed.
• 69%: They improve the quality of life in a community.
• 48%: They provide many services people would have a hard time finding elsewhere.

While this report did not address libraries' role as a meeting/event venue or gathering space (an increasingly important function at many libraries), it did note that library accessibility varies. But most American live within 5 miles of their local public library, even in rural areas.

Pew notes: "Overall, 93% of Americans say that it would be easy to visit a public library in person if they wanted to, with 62% saying it would be 'very easy' and 31% saying it would be 'easy.' However, there was some variation by race/ethnicity, community type, and other factors. ...Whites are most likely to say it would be "very easy" to visit a public library in person (67%), compared with 59% of blacks, 44% of English-speaking Asian Americans, and 47% of English- and Spanish-speaking Hispanics. ...Among those living with a disability, 15% overall say it would be difficult to visit the library, compared with 5% of non-disabled respondents. And 10% of unemployed respondents, including 11% of those who are retired, say it would be difficult to visit the library overall, compared with 4% of employed respondents."

Libraries are increasingly seeing community engagement as core to their mission. Next month in Philadelphia, the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting will feature several sessions on community engagement. This could be an excellent opportunity for community foundations and community information and engagement projects to learn how to partner effectively with local libraries to achieve this shared goal.

Partnerships are as much about perceptions as practicalities. Public libraries can help promote not just awareness of, but public confidence in, community information and engagement efforts. If your community project has not yet tried to cultivate connections with libraries, that might be an avenue to investigate in the new year.