Finland's investment reflects this commitment: in 2025, the country spent nearly €371m ($430m/£321m) on its public libraries – that's €65.78 ($76/£57) per person, compared to the average £10 ($13.5) per person spent in the UK, and a total public library expenditure of $15.2bn (£11.4bn ), or $45 (£34) per person in the US.
Are those numbers correct?
In San Francisco, the 2025 public library budget was over $240 per resident per year.
In San Francisco, the 2025 public library budget was over $240 per resident per year.