The full upstream README, mirrored here for reference. Install config, tool schemas, adoption signals, and an original overview live on the LibraryAPI listing page.
mcp-name: dev.libraryapi/libraryapi-mcp
MCP server for libraryapi.dev — US public library data for AI agents.
Expose library lookups as tools to any MCP-compatible AI assistant (Claude, Cursor, Copilot, etc.). Built on the federal IMLS Public Libraries Survey — public domain, commercially usable.
Or run directly with uvx (no install needed):
Add to ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json:
Get a free API key at libraryapi.dev — 500 requests/month, no credit card.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
find_libraries_near_address | Find the nearest branches to a US street address |
find_libraries_near_coordinates | Same, but from a lat/lng (skips geocoding) |
get_outlet | Full record for one branch outlet by ID |
search_libraries | Search library systems by name, state, or city |
get_library | Full system profile by FSCS ID |
get_state_summary | Statewide library totals |
Systems vs. outlets: a system is the administrative entity (e.g. "Chicago Public Library"); an outlet is an individual branch. Proximity searches return outlets.
Once configured, you can ask your AI assistant:
"What are the three closest public libraries to 350 Fifth Ave, New York?"
"How many public library branches are there in Vermont, and what's the total collection size?"
"I'm building a civic app — give me every library branch within 5 miles of downtown Chicago as JSON."
The IMLS survey covers locations, collections, staffing, visits, programs, and finances. It reports hours-open totals (annual, and per week) but not daily opening times — so this API can tell you a branch is open ~45 hours/week, not that it opens at 9am.
MIT