Library · Dover
Dover Public Library
Dover Public Library serves Dover’s 62,955 residents. Last year it logged 179,233 visits, about 2.8 for every resident, and lent 327K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Dover Public Library
35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover 19901
58 hrsopen a week
46,000sq ft
116Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
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
#10
#10 of 21 DE libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Delaware that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
179K
visits
2.8 per resident
327K
loans, print + digital
5.2 per resident
1,393
programs & events
19K attended
29K
library cards
46% 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
2.8 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.1 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.1 e-items · typical 1.2
A little below typical (47th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.5 kids’ items · typical 1.7
A little below typical (47th percentile)
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (46th percentile)
Cardholders
46% of residents
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
327K loans last year
Books & media (adults)49%Kids’ books & media30%E-books, audio & streaming21%
Who the programs are for
1,393 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$36 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $2.2M.
Local 83%State 17%Gifts & other 0%
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.