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 2024
Main 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
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

Ages 0–5
333
Ages 6–11
225
Teens
27
Adults
299
All ages
0
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

0.9mi
Henderson Branch LibraryTorrance · 45 hrs a week
Directions →
1.7mi
El Retiro Branch LibraryRedondo Beach · 26 hrs a week
Directions →
1.8mi
Walteria Branch LibraryTorrance · 45 hrs a week
Directions →
2.3mi
Southeast Branch LibraryTorrance · 45 hrs a week
Directions →
3.2mi
North Torrance Branch LibraryTorrance · 45 hrs a week
Directions →
1.1mi
Torrance Superior CourtLos Angeles County Law Library · Torrance · 40 hrs a week
Directions →
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.

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