Number of Public Libraries* in the Ten Most Populous States (2011)

*Administrative units.

Larger units of governance in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Source for # of libraries and legal basis:  

Institute of Museum and Library Services 

Public Libraries in the United States Survey (2011)

The IMLS defines an association or non-profit agency library as a public library that is privately controlled but meets the statutory definition of a public library in a given state.

In addition to New York and Pennsylvania, association libraries are found primarily in the following states (% of total)

• Connecticut (45.4%)
• Maine (58.4%)
• Rhode Island (50.0%)
• Vermont (35.8%)

Related posts:
Percentage distribution of public libraries by legal service area population.  (3/30/2014)
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)