Library · Iowa
Iowa City Public Library
Iowa City Public Library serves Iowa’s 89,912 residents. Last year it logged 543,468 visits, about 6.0 for every resident, and lent 864K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Iowa City Public Library
123 S Linn St., Iowa City 52240
65 hrsopen a week
81,276sq ft
200Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#12
#12 of 51 · Most-used libraries in IA →Among IA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#5 · Most library borrowing →#4 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
543K
visits
6.0 per resident
864K
loans, print + digital
9.6 per resident
1,592
programs & events
55K attended
41K
library cards
46% 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
6.0 visits · typical 2.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
9.6 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
4.0 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 84% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.6 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
46% of residents
Higher than 62% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
864K loans last year
Books & media (adults)58%Kids’ books & media42%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
1,592 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$80 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $7.2M.
Local 96%State 1%Gifts & other 3%
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.