Library · Torrance
Libraries in Torrance
Torrance Public Library serves Torrance’s 142,910 residents from 6 locations. Last year it logged 327,818 visits, about 2.3 for every resident, and lent 824K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Katy Geissert Civic Center Library
3301 Torrance Blvd., Torrance 90503
45 hrsopen a week
72,400sq ft
435Kbooks & 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
#69
#69 of 117 · Most-used libraries in CA →Among CA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#55 · Most library borrowing →#55 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
328K
visits
2.3 per resident
824K
loans, print + digital
5.8 per resident
884
programs & events
30K attended
29K
library cards
21% 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
2.3 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.2 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
0.5 e-items · typical 1.4
Lower than most similar-size libraries (19th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
2.8 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 76% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.2
Higher than 50% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
21% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (14th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
824K loans last year
Books & media (adults)41%Kids’ books & media49%E-books, audio & streaming9%
Who the programs are for
884 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$44 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $6.3M.
Local 57%State 27%Gifts & other 17%
Locations
Other libraries in Torrance
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.