Percentage Distribution of Public Libraries by Legal Service Area Population (2011)

Total number of public libraries (i.e., administrative units): 8,956

Source:  Institute of Museum and Library Services

Public Libraries in the United States Survey, Fiscal Year 2011

Here's a pie-graph distribution of population.

Although public libraries in communities of less than 1,000 population represent 10% of the total number, they serve just 0.2% of the total U.S. population.

On the other hand, public libraries in communities of 1,000,000 or more represent 0.3% of the total number of library and serve 16.1% of U.S residents.

Related posts:
Public libraries by type of legal basis.  (3/30/2014)
Public library revenue.  (3/24/2014)
Number of libraries, 2011 (administrative units).  (3/19/2014)
Library staffing, 2001-2011.  (3/19/2014)