Library · East Lyme
East Lyme Public Library
East Lyme Public Library serves 18,929 people in and around East Lyme. Last year it logged 77,718 visits, about 4.1 for every resident, and lent 168K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
East Lyme Public Library
39 Society Road, East Lyme 06357
57 hrsopen a week
16,350sq ft
117Kbooks & 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 173 CT libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Connecticut that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
78K
visits
4.1 per resident
168K
loans, print + digital
8.9 per resident
332
programs & events
8,851 attended
5,763
library cards
30% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 10,000 to 25,000 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
4.1 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
6.6 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 76% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.2 e-items · typical 1.1
Higher than 79% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.7 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 69% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
30% of residents
A little below typical (33th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
168K loans last year
Books & media (adults)44%Kids’ books & media30%E-books, audio & streaming25%
Who the programs are for
332 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$65 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $1.2M.
Local 87%State 0%Gifts & other 13%
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.