Laredo Public Library, serving an area of 176,000 residents, has a collection of 189,000 books and periodicals; in addition, there are 4,800 CDs, records, cassettes and other audio materials, as well as 6,900 video items, such as DVDs and VHS tapes. Internet terminals are available for use by the general public.
Staffing consists of 52 employees, of whom 14 are fully accredited librarians, plus volunteers. The system comprises one central library and 3 branch libraries, plus one bookmobile. Annual expenditures on the library collection total $630,000. Patrons make 370,000 visits annually, and check out materials 340,000 times. Thirty percent of all check-outs are children's materials.