Library · Lewes
Lewes Public Library
Lewes Public Library serves Lewes’s 26,989 residents. Last year it logged 173,665 visits, about 6.4 for every resident, and lent 318K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Lewes Public Library
111 Adams Avenue, Lewes 19958
51 hrsopen a week
28,500sq ft
54Kbooks & 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
#2
#2 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
174K
visits
6.4 per resident
318K
loans, print + digital
11.8 per resident
1,840
programs & events
35K attended
21K
library cards
79% 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
6.4 visits · typical 2.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
8.6 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
3.2 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.7 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 70% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.3 attendees · typical 0.3
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
79% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
318K loans last year
Books & media (adults)50%Kids’ books & media23%E-books, audio & streaming27%
Who the programs are for
1,840 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$37 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1M.
Local 39%State 13%Gifts & other 48%
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.