Library · Mason
Mason City Public Library
Mason City Public Library serves Mason’s 28,779 residents. Last year it logged 144,000 visits, about 5.0 for every resident, and lent 102K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Mason City Public Library
225 2nd St. SE, Mason City 50401
56 hrsopen a week
44,419sq ft
98Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#18
#18 of 51 · Most-used libraries in IA →Among IA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#36 · Most library borrowing →#39 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
144K
visits
5.0 per resident
102K
loans, print + digital
3.5 per resident
249
programs & events
7,474 attended
29K
library cards
100% 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
5.0 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
3.5 print items · typical 3.7
A little below typical (48th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.0 kids’ items · typical 1.7
A little below typical (32th percentile)
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (39th percentile)
Cardholders
100% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
102K loans last year
Books & media (adults)71%Kids’ books & media29%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
249 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$47 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.4M.
Local 99%State 1%Gifts & other 0%
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.