Library · New Canaan
New Canaan Library
New Canaan Library serves 20,862 people in and around New Canaan. Last year it logged 355,921 visits, about 17.1 for every resident, and lent 284K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
New Canaan Library
151 Main St., New Canaan 06840
63 hrsopen a week
42,000sq ft
88Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#1
#1 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
356K
visits
17.1 per resident
284K
loans, print + digital
13.6 per resident
1,557
programs & events
47K attended
12K
library cards
57% 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
17.1 visits · typical 3.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
10.2 print items · typical 3.9
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
3.4 e-items · typical 1.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
5.9 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
2.2 attendees · typical 0.4
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
57% of residents
Higher than 76% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
284K loans last year
Books & media (adults)32%Kids’ books & media43%E-books, audio & streaming25%
Who the programs are for
1,557 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$199 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $4.2M.
Local 70%State 0%Gifts & other 30%
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.