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.

Installation

pip install libraryapi-mcp

Or run directly with uvx (no install needed):

uvx libraryapi-mcp

Configuration

Claude Desktop

Add to ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "libraryapi": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["libraryapi-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "LIBRARYAPI_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Cursor / other MCP clients

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "libraryapi": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["libraryapi-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "LIBRARYAPI_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Get a free API key at libraryapi.dev — 500 requests/month, no credit card.

Available Tools

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.

Examples

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."

Data note

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.