Library · Bethany
Clark Memorial Library
Clark Memorial Library serves 5,271 people in and around Bethany. Last year it logged 9,108 visits, about 1.7 for every resident, and lent 36K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Clark Memorial Library
538 Amity Rd., Bethany 06524
37 hrsopen a week
8,000sq ft
32Kbooks & 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
#144
#144 of 173 CT libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Connecticut that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
9,108
visits
1.7 per resident
36K
loans, print + digital
6.9 per resident
483
programs & events
1,922 attended
1,749
library cards
33% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 2,500 to 10,000 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
1.7 visits · typical 3.0
A little below typical (27th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
4.8 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.1 e-items · typical 1.0
Higher than 77% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.8 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.5
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Cardholders
33% of residents
A little below typical (35th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
36K loans last year
Books & media (adults)30%Kids’ books & media40%E-books, audio & streaming30%
Who the programs are for
483 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$68 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $360K.
Local 87%State 0%Federal 3%Gifts & other 10%
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.