Library · Ely
Ely Public Library
Ely Public Library serves Ely’s 2,951 residents. Last year it logged 48,448 visits, about 16.4 for every resident, and lent 37K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Ely Public Library
1595 Dows St., Ely 52227
55 hrsopen a week
5,023sq ft
15Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#4
#4 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
48K
visits
16.4 per resident
37K
loans, print + digital
12.5 per resident
901
programs & events
15K attended
4,468
library cards
100% 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
16.4 visits · typical 3.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
12.5 print items · typical 3.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
9.5 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
5.1 attendees · typical 0.5
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
100% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
37K loans last year
Books & media (adults)24%Kids’ books & media76%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
901 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$93 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $275K.
Local 95%State 4%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.