Library · West Haven
Libraries in West Haven
West Haven Public Library serves 54,790 people in and around West Haven from 2 locations. Last year it logged 123,211 visits, about 2.2 for every resident, and lent 133K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
West Haven Public Library
300 Elm St., West Haven 06516
57 hrsopen a week
36,606sq ft
105Kbooks & 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
#118
#118 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
123K
visits
2.2 per resident
133K
loans, print + digital
2.4 per resident
692
programs & events
8,476 attended
9,426
library cards
17% 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
2.2 visits · typical 2.6
A little below typical (42th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
1.6 print items · typical 3.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (21th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.9 e-items · typical 1.2
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.6 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (20th percentile)
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.3
Lower than most similar-size libraries (19th percentile)
Cardholders
17% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (10th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
133K loans last year
Books & media (adults)39%Kids’ books & media25%E-books, audio & streaming36%
Who the programs are for
692 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$34 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.9M.
Local 84%State 0%Federal 6%Gifts & other 10%
Locations
Other libraries in West 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.