Library · Bloomington
Bloomington Public Library
Bloomington Public Library serves 78,680 people in and around Bloomington. Last year it logged 148,187 visits, about 1.9 for every resident, and lent 705K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Bloomington Public Library
205 East Olive Street, Bloomington 61701
64 hrsopen a week
51,000sq ft
259Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#480
#480 of 621 IL libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Illinois that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
148K
visits
1.9 per resident
705K
loans, print + digital
9.0 per resident
356
programs & events
12K attended
21K
library cards
27% 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
1.9 visits · typical 2.6
A little below typical (33th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
9.0 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.3
Lower than most similar-size libraries (18th percentile)
Cardholders
27% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (23th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
705K loans last year
Books & media (adults)100%Kids’ books & media0%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
356 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$68 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $5.3M.
Local 85%State 4%Gifts & other 11%
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.