Library · Decatur
Decatur Public Library
Decatur Public Library serves Decatur’s 91,130 residents. Last year it logged 76,574 visits, about 0.8 for every resident, and lent 181K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Decatur Public Library
504 Cherry Street NE, Decatur 35602
45 hrsopen a week
26,000sq ft
90Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#162
#162 of 221 AL libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Alabama that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
77K
visits
0.8 per resident
181K
loans, print + digital
2.0 per resident
200
programs & events
7,746 attended
30K
library cards
33% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 100,000 people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
0.8 visits · typical 2.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (7th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
1.3 print items · typical 3.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (16th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.7 e-items · typical 1.2
A little below typical (32th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.7 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.3
Lower than most similar-size libraries (7th percentile)
Cardholders
33% of residents
A little below typical (35th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
181K loans last year
Books & media (adults)26%Kids’ books & media38%E-books, audio & streaming36%
Who the programs are for
200 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$10 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $915K.
Local 59%State 12%Federal 1%Gifts & other 28%
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.