Sonoma County Library: State of the Library

Return on Investment

Several studies have been done to determine how much value public library users get back for their tax dollars—the Return on Investment (ROI).  Each time you use one of the many resources provided by the Sonoma County Library, you get a return that tends to be of greater value than what you pay each year to support the Library.  Studies from across the nation show overwhelmingly that public libraries give you a high return on every tax dollar.

In 2011 Sonoma County residents provided $13.8 million in taxes to support the Library.   Residents received the equivalent of $43,677,200 in services, for a return on investment of more than 300 percent!

Books
Checked out – 1,575,776 * @ $17 = $26,788,192
Based on an average cost per item; *excludes renewals
$26,788,192

Videos and DVD's
Checked out – 917,000* @ $2 = $1,834,000
Based on an average rental; *excludes renewals
$1,834,000

Books on tape and CD
Checked out – 172,175* @ $35 =  $6,026,125
Based on average cost per item; *excludes renewals
$6,026,125

Music
Checked out – 130,955* @ $10 =  $1,309,550
Based on an average cost per item; *excludes renewals
$1,309,550

Downloadable Resources
Audiobooks - 37,085 @ $25 =  $927,125
Based on average cost to purchase downloadable audiobooks
$927,125

Programs attended
Children's programs - 1,734 @ $6 = $10,404
Young Adult programs - 101 @ $10 = $1,010
Adult programs - 450 @ $10 = $4,500
Based on Maine Library Services calculator
$15,914

Internet access
Number of uses – 389,018 @ $3 =  $1,167,054
Based on an average cost for metro area access at hourly providers. Note that at the library, computers and printers are provided; at free wifi areas you must provide the computer/printer yourself
$1,167,054

Research Access
Reference Questions – 347,727 @ $15 =  $5,215,905
Based on Maine Library Services calculator
Database uses – 19,688 @ $20 = $393,760
Based on LRS Library Services calculator
$5,609,665

Grand Total: $43,677,200

Value to You »