Library · Boise
Libraries in Boise
Boise Public serves 243,657 people in and around Boise from 5 locations. Last year it logged 712,345 visits, about 2.9 for every resident, and lent 2.6M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Boise Public
715 S Capitol Blvd, Boise 83702
54 hrsopen a week
79,381sq ft
363Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#67
#67 of 105 ID libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Idaho that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
712K
visits
2.9 per resident
2.6M
loans, print + digital
10.8 per resident
3,203
programs & events
82K attended
113K
library cards
46% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 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
2.9 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
6.8 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 83% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
4.0 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.3 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.2
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
46% of residents
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
2.6M loans last year
Books & media (adults)33%Kids’ books & media30%E-books, audio & streaming37%
Who the programs are for
3,203 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$74 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $18M.
Local 97%State 0%Gifts & other 3%
Locations
Other libraries in Boise
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.