Library · Independence
Independence Public Library
Independence Public Library serves Independence’s 12,221 residents. Last year it logged 51,442 visits, about 4.2 for every resident, and lent 66K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Independence Public Library
805 1st St. E, Independence 50644
58 hrsopen a week
14,200sq ft
42Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#213
#213 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
51K
visits
4.2 per resident
66K
loans, print + digital
5.4 per resident
233
programs & events
6,346 attended
4,858
library cards
40% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 10,000 to 25,000 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
4.2 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.4 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 66% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.9 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 71% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 58% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
40% of residents
Higher than 50% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
66K loans last year
Books & media (adults)47%Kids’ books & media53%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
233 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$45 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $553K.
Local 98%State 1%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.