If you’ve visited the library lately, you already know that a library card opens the door to much more than books. Every day, people use the library to borrow books, download eBooks and audiobooks, attend programs, use computers and Wi-Fi, research family history, and connect with resources that make life a little easier.
As the cost of just about everything continues to rise, many families are looking for ways to make their budgets go further. The library can help. The services available through your library card can save you money while still providing access to entertainment, education, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities.
But have you ever stopped to think about how much value you actually receive from the library?
The answer might surprise you.
The American Library Association’s Library Value Calculator allows you to add up many of the services you use throughout the year and see what they would cost if you had to pay for them individually. For many households, the value of library use can easily reach hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars each year.
Of course, the library’s value goes beyond dollars and cents. Here in Colusa County, the library belongs to all of us. It is a community resource that helps connect residents with information, opportunities, technology, and each other. Every book borrowed, every program attended, every computer session used, and every question answered by library staff is another example of your library at work.
Curious about the value your library provides to your household? We encourage you to try the American Library Association’s Library Value Calculator and plug in your own numbers. You may be surprised by how quickly the value adds up.
The calculator can be found here: https://ilovelibraries.org/calculator/
Whether you visit the library once a month or once a week, the results offer a powerful reminder that a small investment in public libraries creates meaningful benefits for individuals, families, and the entire community.
You may discover that one of the most valuable cards in your wallet is not a credit card at all. It’s your library card.
Originally published on August 8, 2025, this article has been updated to reflect current library programs, services, and community impact.