Research and Statistics.

It appears that we are losing public libraries. Over the last three fiscal years reported (2003 through 2005), the data show we have fewer library systems operating in the United States. There were 9,211 public library systems in fiscal year (FY) 2003, and in FY 2005 there were only 9,198 systems. (The FY 2005 figure takes into account libraries damaged by hurricane Katrina.) Further, these public libraries are serving 6.1 million more people than in FY 2003.