Library · Alton
Alton Public Library
Alton Public Library serves Alton’s 1,955 residents. Last year it logged 18,879 visits, about 9.7 for every resident, and lent 22K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Alton Public Library
605 10th St., Alton 51003
46 hrsopen a week
6,000sq ft
17Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#27
#27 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
19K
visits
9.7 per resident
22K
loans, print + digital
11.2 per resident
212
programs & events
2,465 attended
787
library cards
40% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving under 2,500 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
9.7 visits · typical 3.5
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
11.2 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
7.5 kids’ items · typical 1.4
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.3 attendees · typical 0.7
Higher than 71% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
40% of residents
A little below typical (34th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
22K loans last year
Books & media (adults)33%Kids’ books & media67%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
212 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$61 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $54. Operating budget $120K.
Local 91%State 2%Gifts & other 7%
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.