Public libraries play critical roles in many cities and small towns nationwide. But as with all other aging and outdated buildings, unreliable funding can make it challenging for facilities managers to meet increasing expectations placed on the facilities, including effective maintenance.
About 6,000 libraries nationwide — or nearly 40 percent of the facilities — are in poor condition, and about 7,000 report having a physical barrier to access for people with disabilities, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Federal funding is generally available for library programs and services but not for construction or repairs, and many libraries cite funding and construction costs as challenges of addressing building needs.
GAO conducted a nationally representative survey of about 16,400 public libraries in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four territories. The report examined the reported physical conditions of library facilities and the estimated cost and challenges of addressing facility repair needs.
The survey of libraries found that an estimated 38 percent of the nation’s public libraries have at least one building system in poor condition, and 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.
While the total cost to repair public library facilities is unknown, an estimated 70 percent have a backlog of deferred maintenance and repair, according to GAO’s survey. Seventy percent of libraries also expect deferred maintenance to persist or increase in the next three years, according to budget forecasts and planned projects.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.?
