GAO: Many Public Library Buildings Reported to Be in Poor Condition

"Public libraries serve as cornerstones of many communities. But aging and outdated buildings can make it hard for libraries to meet increasing expectations to provide access to programming, technology, emergency services, and voting sites - in addition to books.

"About 6,000 libraries nationwide (nearly 40%) say that part of their building is in poor condition, and about 7,000 report having a physical barrier to access for people with disabilities."

A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that an estimated 38 percent of the nation’s public libraries have at least one building system (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) in poor condition and an estimated 61 percent have at least one building system or feature that poses a potential health or safety concern. Library size and physical accessibility were most frequently cited as potential concerns.

To access the complete U.S. GAO report, please visit:

U.S. GAO: Public Libraries: Many Buildings Are Reported to Be in Poor Condition, with Increasing Deferred Maintenance (18 DEC 25)