Library · South Pasadena
South Pasadena Public Library
South Pasadena Public Library serves South Pasadena’s 26,270 residents. Last year it logged 211,410 visits, about 8.0 for every resident, and lent 375K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
South Pasadena Public Library
1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena 91030
55 hrsopen a week
24,500sq ft
118Kbooks & 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
#14
#14 of 117 · Most-used libraries in CA →Among CA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#18 · Most library borrowing →#19 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
211K
visits
8.0 per resident
375K
loans, print + digital
14.3 per resident
284
programs & events
8,906 attended
17K
library cards
66% 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
8.0 visits · typical 2.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
12.2 print items · typical 3.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.1 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
7.0 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 52% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
66% of residents
Higher than 84% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
375K loans last year
Books & media (adults)37%Kids’ books & media49%E-books, audio & streaming14%
Who the programs are for
284 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$75 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $2M.
Local 99%Federal 1%Gifts & other 0%
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.