Library · New Haven
Libraries in New Haven
New Haven Free Public Library serves 135,319 people in and around New Haven from 5 locations. Last year it logged 387,374 visits, about 2.9 for every resident, and lent 209K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
New Haven Free Public Library
133 Elm St., New Haven 06510
54 hrsopen a week
122,195sq ft
315Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#103
#103 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
387K
visits
2.9 per resident
209K
loans, print + digital
1.5 per resident
2,549
programs & events
40K attended
26K
library cards
19% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 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
2.9 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
1.1 print items · typical 3.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (9th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.4 e-items · typical 1.4
Lower than most similar-size libraries (13th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.5 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (11th percentile)
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.2
Higher than 70% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
19% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (12th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
209K loans last year
Books & media (adults)38%Kids’ books & media35%E-books, audio & streaming27%
Who the programs are for
2,549 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$58 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $7.9M.
Local 87%State 1%Federal 3%Gifts & other 8%
Locations
Other libraries in New Haven
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.