Library · Hamden

Libraries in Hamden

Hamden Public Library serves 60,014 people in and around Hamden from 3 locations. Last year it logged 60,605 visits, about 1.0 for every resident, and lent 311K books, movies and e-books.

IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024
Main library

Hamden Public Library

2901 Dixwell Ave., Hamden 06518
51 hrsopen a week
33,600sq ft
152Kbooks & 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
#159
#159 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

61K
visits
1.0 per resident
311K
loans, print + digital
5.2 per resident
525
programs & events
10K attended
13K
library cards
21% 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
1.0 visits · typical 2.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (11th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
3.9 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 52% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.3 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.6 kids’ items · typical 1.7
A little below typical (48th percentile)
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.3
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Cardholders
21% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (16th percentile)
Borrowing & programs

What people use it for

What people borrow

311K loans last year

Books & media (adults)44%Kids’ books & media31%E-books, audio & streaming25%

Who the programs are for

525 story times, classes, clubs and events

Ages 0–5
160
Ages 6–11
104
Teens
76
Adults
160
All ages
25
Money

Who pays for it

$37 per resident a year

Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $2.2M.

Local 88%State 0%Federal 9%Gifts & other 2%
Locations

Other libraries in Hamden

3.4mi
Brundage Community Branch LibraryHamden · 31 hrs a week
Directions →
3.6mi
Whitneyville Branch LibraryHamden · 31 hrs a week
Directions →
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.

The porch light’s on

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