Library · Alta
Alta Community Library
Alta Community Library serves Alta’s 3,194 residents. Last year it logged 5,300 visits, about 1.7 for every resident, and lent 14K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Alta Community Library
1009 S Main St., Alta 51002
30 hrsopen a week
3,115sq ft
15Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#467
#467 of 515 IA libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Iowa that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
5,300
visits
1.7 per resident
14K
loans, print + digital
4.4 per resident
308
programs & events
1,904 attended
1,384
library cards
43% 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
1.7 visits · typical 3.0
A little below typical (25th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
4.4 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.7 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 52% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.6 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
43% of residents
Higher than 52% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
14K loans last year
Books & media (adults)61%Kids’ books & media39%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
308 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$32 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $102K.
Local 96%State 3%Gifts & other 1%
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.