Library · Watertown
Libraries in Watertown
Watertown Library Association serves 22,274 people in and around Watertown from 2 locations. Last year it logged 30,612 visits, about 1.4 for every resident, and lent 52K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Watertown Library Association
470 Main St., Watertown 06795
40 hrsopen a week
13,090sq ft
92Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#153
#153 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
31K
visits
1.4 per resident
52K
loans, print + digital
2.3 per resident
161
programs & events
2,441 attended
11K
library cards
47% 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
1.4 visits · typical 3.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (19th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
1.9 print items · typical 3.9
Lower than most similar-size libraries (23th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.4 e-items · typical 1.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (21th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.8 kids’ items · typical 1.8
A little below typical (27th percentile)
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.4
Lower than most similar-size libraries (10th percentile)
Cardholders
47% of residents
Higher than 63% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
52K loans last year
Books & media (adults)46%Kids’ books & media37%E-books, audio & streaming18%
Who the programs are for
161 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$40 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $900K.
Local 96%State 0%Gifts & other 3%
Locations
Other libraries in Watertown
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.