RCPL Statistics

The Richland County Public Library system - which includes the Main Library in downtown Columbia and 10 branches located strategically across the county - is a community focal point that attracts more than 2.1 million visitors each year.

Circulation of library materials systemwide exceeds 3.3 million each year, with in-house usage at more than 6.2 million.

On average each day, more than 3,000 people use the Main Library, and another 5,000 or more use RCPL's 10 branch locations.

RCPL holds more than 1.1 million books; more than 900 magazine titles in print; more than 15,000 magazine titles online; more than 150 newspaper titles; nearly 90,000 videos, s and CDs; more than 400 computers with access to online and Internet resources; and 80 electronic databases.

Records indicate about 70% of the people in Richland County have library cards.

More than 47,000 people from across South Carolina attended free events and programs, including plays, literary readings, book discussions and author appearances, at the Richland County Public Library last year. More than 2,100 children and adults attended the annual 22nd A(ugusta) Baker's Dozen: A Celebration of Stories.

RCPL has utilized new technology, including self checkout, to serve the increased numbers of people using the library and operate more efficiently. This system, made possible with special grant funds and support of the Friends of RCPL, allows staff to spend more time directly assisting users.

RCPL now provides Summer Reading Clubs for all ages-children, teens and adults- systemwide. More than 22,000 children, 2,800 teens and 6,500 adults participated in 2008.

RCPL is recognized on state and national levels for its outstanding programs and services. RCPL received the 2005 Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor's Award for the Arts in the government category, the highest honor the state gives in this area. RCPL is the only public library to receive the award since it was first given in 1972.

Each year, more than 800 adults, teens and children volunteer, contributing more than 15,000 hours valued at mor than $250,000.

For every $1 spent on public libraries in South Carolina, the return is $4.48, according to a survey conducted by the University of South Carolina.