Library · Essex
Libraries in Essex
Essex Library Association serves 6,802 people in and around Essex. Last year it logged 46,967 visits, about 6.9 for every resident, and lent 66K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Essex Library Association
33 West Ave., Essex 06426
53 hrsopen a week
9,550sq ft
35Kbooks & 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
#22
#22 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
47K
visits
6.9 per resident
66K
loans, print + digital
9.7 per resident
604
programs & events
6,865 attended
2,427
library cards
36% 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
6.9 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 86% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.4 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 82% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.2 e-items · typical 1.0
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.7 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.0 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 79% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
36% of residents
A little below typical (40th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
66K loans last year
Books & media (adults)49%Kids’ books & media28%E-books, audio & streaming23%
Who the programs are for
604 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$79 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $537K.
Local 57%State 1%Federal 15%Gifts & other 27%
Locations
Other libraries in Essex
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.