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Guest feature by St. Louis County Library
St. Louis County Library is offering special programming to encourage participation in the 2020 census this spring.
Multiple branches are hosting census 2020 information sessions, library staff will be doing community outreach events in hard-to-count areas, and the library’s computer labs will be available during select times for individuals to complete the census online. In total, over 100 census 2020 programs will be offered. A full list of resources and programs is available at slcl.org/census-2020.
Missouri received approximately $16.5 billion in federal funds in FY2016, which were directly calculated from census data. Low participation in the 2020 census could have substantial negative consequences for Missouri. SLCL is working alongside other community partners, such as the regional Complete Count Committees, Missouri Foundation for Health and St. Louis Community Foundation, to help get the word out about the importance of completing the 2020 census. For every adult and child not counted, Missouri stands to lose an estimated $1,300 in federal dollars – funding that supports roads, bridges, hospitals and schools.
As a tax-supported organization serving the local community, public libraries know the importance of accurate and complete data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Libraries are the perfect place for those with no or limited access to the internet to complete the census 2020 questionnaire. SLCL has identified hard-to-count areas of the county, and is increasing resources in those areas to contribute to a more complete census.
Starting in March, SLCL will offer a series of information sessions for the public to answer questions regarding census 2020 such as: why the census is important, how the census information is used and why it matters, and what patrons need to know to avoid census scams.
Library staff will conduct at least 12 community outreach events in North County neighborhoods, such as Spanish Lake and Normandy, which have been identified as hard-to-count areas. Chromebooks with internet access will be available at these events, providing individuals with the opportunity to respond to the census online.
In addition, branch computer labs have been reserved during select times for individuals to complete the census online. Staff will help patrons access the census form online, answer basic questions and direct people to the appropriate census 2020 information on the internet.
In 2019, SLCL held a number of hiring events for the Census Bureau, where members of the public could meet with census staff and apply for job openings.
To learn more about SLCL’s 2020 census programming, visit slcl.org/census-2020.
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