The table compares the number of public libraries in the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia in 2000, 2007, 2014 and 2020.

Overall, the USA had by far the largest number of public libraries throughout the period, although its figure fluctuated slightly and ultimately declined. While the number of libraries increased steadily in Canada and Australia, the UK experienced a continuous fall. By 2020, Canada had slightly overtaken the UK.

In 2000, there were 16,870 public libraries in the USA, considerably more than in the other three countries. This figure rose slightly to a peak of 17,240 in 2007, before falling to 16,910 in 2014 and 16,530 in 2020. The UK had the second-highest figure at the beginning of the period, with 4,710 libraries. However, this number declined steadily, reaching 3,810 by the final year.

By contrast, both Canada and Australia saw consistent growth. The number of Canadian libraries increased from 2,890 in 2000 to 3,110 in 2007 and 3,480 in 2014, before reaching 3,900 in 2020. As a result, Canada narrowly surpassed the UK by the end of the period. Australia remained the country with the fewest public libraries, despite a gradual rise from 1,250 to 1,740.

Vocabulary to highlight

• by far the largest number — much higher than all the others
• throughout the period — during the entire period
• fluctuated slightly — changed up and down by a small amount
• ultimately declined — eventually decreased
• increased steadily — rose consistently over time
• experienced a continuous fall — decreased throughout the period
• slightly overtaken — moved just above another category
• considerably more than — much more than
• rose slightly to a peak of — increased a little and reached its highest point
• the second-highest figure — the second largest number
• by the final year — by the last year shown
• by contrast — introduces a different or opposite trend
• saw consistent growth — experienced a steady increase
• narrowly surpassed — became slightly higher than
• remained the country with the fewest — continued to have the lowest number
• despite a gradual rise — although the figure increased slowly