Library · Berkeley
Libraries in Berkeley
Berkeley Public Library serves Berkeley’s 125,327 residents from 5 locations. Last year it logged 697,967 visits, about 5.6 for every resident, and lent 2.4M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Berkeley Public Library - Central
2090 Kittredge St., Berkeley 94704
45 hrsopen a week
102,000sq ft
527Kbooks & 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
#20
#20 of 117 · Most-used libraries in CA →Among CA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#7 · Most library borrowing →#31 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
698K
visits
5.6 per resident
2.4M
loans, print + digital
19.1 per resident
2,311
programs & events
69K attended
157K
library cards
100% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 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
5.6 visits · typical 2.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
11.4 print items · typical 3.2
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
7.7 e-items · typical 1.4
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.8 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 77% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.6 attendees · typical 0.2
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
100% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
2.4M loans last year
Books & media (adults)45%Kids’ books & media15%E-books, audio & streaming40%
Who the programs are for
2,311 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$189 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $24M.
Local 98%State 0%Gifts & other 1%
Locations
Other libraries in Berkeley
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.