Library · Canterbury
Canterbury Public Library
Canterbury Public Library serves 5,140 people in and around Canterbury. Last year it logged 16,503 visits, about 3.2 for every resident, and lent 25K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Canterbury Public Library
1 Municipal Drive, Canterbury 06331
43 hrsopen a week
3,000sq ft
18Kbooks & 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
#92
#92 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
17K
visits
3.2 per resident
25K
loans, print + digital
4.8 per resident
454
programs & events
4,413 attended
1,179
library cards
23% 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
3.2 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.3 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
0.5 e-items · typical 1.0
A little below typical (29th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
2.3 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 64% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.9 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
23% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (19th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
25K loans last year
Books & media (adults)43%Kids’ books & media47%E-books, audio & streaming10%
Who the programs are for
454 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$29 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $149K.
Local 94%State 2%Gifts & other 3%
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.