Library · San Rafael
Libraries in San Rafael
San Rafael Public Library serves San Rafael’s 59,585 residents from 3 locations. Last year it logged 183,067 visits, about 3.1 for every resident, and lent 461K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
San Rafael Public Library
1100 E St., San Rafael 94901
61 hrsopen a week
12,500sq ft
94Kbooks & 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
#56
#56 of 117 · Most-used libraries in CA →Among CA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#45 · Most library borrowing →#61 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
183K
visits
3.1 per resident
461K
loans, print + digital
7.7 per resident
361
programs & events
11K attended
28K
library cards
48% 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
3.1 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 60% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.0 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 62% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.8 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.5 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 66% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (26th percentile)
Cardholders
48% of residents
Higher than 65% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
461K loans last year
Books & media (adults)32%Kids’ books & media32%E-books, audio & streaming36%
Who the programs are for
361 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 $4.3M.
Local 99%State 0%Gifts & other 1%
Locations
Other libraries in San Rafael
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.