Library · DeKalb
Dekalb Public Library
Dekalb Public Library serves DeKalb’s 40,290 residents. Last year it logged 233,918 visits, about 5.8 for every resident, and lent 151K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Dekalb Public Library
309 Oak Street, Dekalb 60115
68 hrsopen a week
65,786sq ft
153Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#58
#58 of 262 · Most-used libraries in IL →Among IL towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#158 · Most library borrowing →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
234K
visits
5.8 per resident
151K
loans, print + digital
3.8 per resident
1,423
programs & events
23K attended
16K
library cards
39% 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
5.8 visits · typical 2.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
3.8 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 50% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.6 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 79% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
39% of residents
A little below typical (49th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
151K loans last year
Books & media (adults)100%Kids’ books & media0%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
1,423 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$70 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $2.8M.
Local 93%State 5%Federal 0%Gifts & other 1%
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.