Library · West Branch
West Branch Public Library
West Branch Public Library serves West Branch’s 4,415 residents. Last year it logged 14,708 visits, about 3.3 for every resident, and lent 19K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
West Branch Public Library
300 N Downey St., West Branch 52358
41 hrsopen a week
5,000sq ft
17Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#296
#296 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
15K
visits
3.3 per resident
19K
loans, print + digital
4.3 per resident
285
programs & events
5,478 attended
2,205
library cards
50% 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
3.3 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.3 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.6 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 51% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.2 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 86% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
50% of residents
Higher than 62% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
19K loans last year
Books & media (adults)62%Kids’ books & media38%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
285 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$54 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $240K.
Local 95%State 1%Gifts & other 4%
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.