How We Verify Our Library Data

Our sources, our checks, and our standards for accuracy.

Accuracy is the foundation of Public-Libraries.com. This page explains exactly where our information comes from and how we verify it, so you can trust what you read here.

Our data sources

IMLS Public Libraries Survey (FY2023) — the official U.S. federal dataset from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It provides our authoritative master list of public libraries and outlets, including names, addresses, counties and geographic coordinates.
Each library's own official website and catalog — for opening hours, branch services, programs, and the digital resources a card unlocks.
State library agencies and consortia — for statewide digital resources (e.g. ELM, TEL, AVL) and reciprocal-borrowing details.
Reputable references (e.g. official government pages) used only to corroborate facts.

What we verify for each library

The library's official name as it is used today (we correct outdated, merged or renamed libraries).
Address and phone, cross-checked against the library's own site.
Real, day-by-day opening hours — never placeholder or invented schedules. Closed days are shown as closed.
Services, programs and digital resources actually offered by that branch.
Whether a branch has moved, closed, or is under renovation.

Our editorial rules

We never invent. Every fact comes from a checkable source. If something can't be verified, we leave it out rather than guess.
Unique content. Each library page is written from that library's real details — not spun from a template.
Cross-checked. Key facts like hours and addresses are confirmed across more than one source where possible.

How often we update

The directory is updated continuously as we add and re-verify libraries. Library information does change, so we treat corrections as a priority.

Report a correction

If you manage a library or notice an error, we want to know. Contact us through our contact page and we'll review and fix it promptly. Reader corrections are a valued part of how we keep the directory accurate.