Libraries have always been centers of knowledge and community, but in recent years, patrons have engaged with these vital spaces in ever-more exciting ways. As we reflect on library usage trends in 2024, we celebrate the myriad ways libraries support their communities helped by WhoFi—not only through WiFi Analytics but also with tools like Community Calendar (for program planning, promotion, and registration), Meeting Rooms (for streamlined space management), and Question Sets (for centralizing data and storytelling). Now, in 2025, we look back on the data from the previous year to understand how libraries adapted, innovated, and thrived—building on the momentum from 2024.

Fourth Quarter 2024 Usage on a Weekly Basis

In Q4 of 2024, libraries experienced slightly higher weekly WiFi usage compared to the same period the previous year (2023), even with the typical decreases around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. This underscores patrons’ continued reliance on library-provided internet access for holiday travel planning, online shopping, virtual learning, and staying connected with friends and family. 

From study groups and community workshops to festive celebrations the numbers are clear that libraries remained in demand—even amid holiday slowdowns. Looking back into previous quarters it becomes clear that libraries are consistently relied on for internet all year round. 

Year in Review: High October Library Usage Trend

A standout observation from 2024 is that October was once again the busiest month for WiFi usage, marking two years in a row (2023 and 2024) where October outpaced every other month. Librarians may point to the combination of back-to-school activities, fall-themed programs, and heightened community engagement events—spanning everything from homework help sessions to Halloween festivities.

The festive draw of October programming combined with the fundamental need for consistent internet access remains central to why so many patrons visit the library. From students working on projects to community members seeking reliable connections for things like job applications, October’s consistent surge in activity underscores the library’s vital role as a technology resource hub.

Quarterly Overview: Q3 Continues to Lead

Despite October’s impressive numbers, a look at 2024’s quarterly totals confirms Q3 remains the busiest quarter overall. This repeats a pattern seen in 2023, likely reflecting the surge in back-to-school preparations (both academic and extracurricular) and robust summer programming that naturally extends into early fall. Meanwhile, end-of-year holiday schedules and traveling can reduce library visits in Q4, though many libraries effectively mitigate this lull by maintaining a steady calendar of community events and services.

In 2024, select libraries were introduced to  version 1.0 of WhoFi’s Question Sets, a collaborative effort initiated by State Libraries, public libraries and WhoFi to streamline data collection, organization, visualization and reporting.  Some of the goals included supporting data-influenced decision making, advocacy efforts, and to ease the burden of board and annual survey reporting., This marks a significant milestone in all-in-one library service management. By integrating Question Sets with existing WhoFi solutions—such as WiFi Analytics, Community Calendar, and Meeting Rooms— library staff can consolidate all of their data  within a single dashboard, simplifying workflows and enhancing both daily operations and long-term planning.

Interpreting Library Usage Trends for 2025

As we look back on 2024 and move forward into 2025, libraries continue to evolve in remarkable ways—adopting new technologies, refining community engagement, and standing firm in their commitment to equitable access. Through WhoFi’s easy to integrate tools—WiFi Analytics, Community Calendar, Meeting Rooms, and Question Sets—libraries can better serve their patrons, promote programs, gather actionable insights, and use data to make decisions that will allow them to thrive for generations to come.

This year’s data reaffirms that libraries are indispensable—not just as providers of internet connectivity but as hubs of community, learning, and opportunity. By staying in tune with patron needs, embracing innovative approaches, and providing welcoming spaces, libraries have consistently proven their resilience and relevance. WhoFi remains committed to supporting library staff, empowering them to make data-influenced decisions that foster stronger connections and more impactful services. As we look ahead to 2025, there’s every reason to be optimistic that libraries will continue to  thrive—enriching lives and strengthening community bonds well into the future.