Never before has a fully informed citizenry been more important to the present and future well-being of the Nation than it is today. And yet, recent investigations have shown that 27 million of our children and adults live in areas without any public library service, and 53 million more have only inadequate book and information services available to learn. The Library Services Act (Public Law 597, 84th Congress) will accomplish much to correct this serious deficiency in our Nation's educational facilities. The compilation of summaries of State plans and programs submitted for the first year of operation under the act was undertaken at this time so that everyone interested in public library development might have the benefits of the thinking and planning which has gone into the development of the plans and programs. By June 30, 1957, 35 States and Hawaii had submitted plans whose summaries are included in this publication. Twelve additional States and Territories, that had not submitted plans in fiscal 1957, began participation after July 1, 1957, bringing the total to 48. Following a foreword, the following two chapters are presented: (1) State Plans and Programs for Fiscal 1957: An Overview; and (2) Outlines of the State Plans and Programs for Fiscal 1957. The following tables are appended: (1) Partial Analysis of 35 State Programs for Fiscal 1957; (2) Program Budgets of States and Territories Participating in Fiscal 1957, by Source of Funds; (3) Program Budgets of States and Territories Participating in 1957, by Categories; and (4) Matching Funds for Federal Allotments for Fiscal 1957. Public Law 597, 84th Congress and background material on public library development are also appended. [Prepared by the Library Services Branch. Best copy available has been provided.]