Library · Branford
Libraries in Branford
James Blackstone Memorial Library serves 28,031 people in and around Branford. Last year it logged 122,982 visits, about 4.4 for every resident, and lent 210K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
James Blackstone Memorial Library
758 Main St., Branford 06405
62 hrsopen a week
27,000sq ft
60Kbooks & 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
#61
#61 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
123K
visits
4.4 per resident
210K
loans, print + digital
7.5 per resident
970
programs & events
18K attended
8,100
library cards
29% 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
4.4 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.6 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.8 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.8 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 52% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.6 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 83% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
29% of residents
A little below typical (28th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
210K loans last year
Books & media (adults)51%Kids’ books & media24%E-books, audio & streaming24%
Who the programs are for
970 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$65 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.8M.
Local 89%State 0%Gifts & other 11%
Locations
Other libraries in Branford
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.