Library · Preston
Preston Public Library
Preston Public Library serves 4,829 people in and around Preston. Last year it logged 7,228 visits, about 1.5 for every resident, and lent 15K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Preston Public Library
389 Route 2, Preston 06365
31 hrsopen a week
5,000sq ft
19Kbooks & 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
#149
#149 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
7,228
visits
1.5 per resident
15K
loans, print + digital
3.2 per resident
196
programs & events
2,356 attended
991
library cards
21% 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
1.5 visits · typical 3.0
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
2.7 print items · typical 3.8
A little below typical (34th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.5 e-items · typical 1.0
A little below typical (29th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.3 kids’ items · typical 1.6
A little below typical (42th percentile)
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.5
A little below typical (49th percentile)
Cardholders
21% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (15th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
15K loans last year
Books & media (adults)43%Kids’ books & media42%E-books, audio & streaming15%
Who the programs are for
196 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$51 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $246K.
Local 81%State 1%Gifts & other 18%
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.