Library · Alameda
Libraries in Alameda
Alameda Free Library serves Alameda’s 78,071 residents from 3 locations. Last year it logged 186,521 visits, about 2.4 for every resident, and lent 730K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Alameda Free Library
1550 Oak St., Alameda 94501
54 hrsopen a week
47,500sq ft
192Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#66
#66 of 117 · Most-used libraries in CA →Among CA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#37 · Most library borrowing →#37 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
187K
visits
2.4 per resident
730K
loans, print + digital
9.3 per resident
4,058
programs & events
47K attended
84K
library cards
100% 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
2.4 visits · typical 2.6
A little below typical (45th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
7.5 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.8 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
4.1 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 84% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.6 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
100% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
730K loans last year
Books & media (adults)37%Kids’ books & media44%E-books, audio & streaming19%
Who the programs are for
4,058 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$72 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $5.6M.
Local 99%State 1%
Locations
Other libraries in Alameda
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.