Library · El Centro
Libraries in El Centro
El Centro Public Library serves El Centro’s 44,952 residents from 2 locations. Last year it logged 66,321 visits, about 1.5 for every resident, and lent 39K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
El Centro Public Library
1198 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro 92243
48 hrsopen a week
19,811sq ft
41Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
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
#91
#91 of 117 · Most-used libraries in CA →Among CA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#107 · Most library borrowing →#107 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
66K
visits
1.5 per resident
39K
loans, print + digital
0.9 per resident
274
programs & events
8,074 attended
19K
library cards
42% 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
1.5 visits · typical 2.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
0.9 print items · typical 3.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (9th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.0 e-items · typical 1.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (0th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.5 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (15th percentile)
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.3
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Cardholders
42% of residents
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
39K loans last year
Books & media (adults)45%Kids’ books & media55%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
274 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$17 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $751K.
Local 88%State 9%Gifts & other 3%
Locations
Other libraries in El Centro
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.