Library · Evanston
Libraries in Evanston
Evanston Public Library serves Evanston’s 78,110 residents from 2 locations. Last year it logged 413,153 visits, about 5.3 for every resident, and lent 699K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Avenue, Evanston 60201
62 hrsopen a week
112,000sq ft
371Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#69
#69 of 262 · Most-used libraries in IL →Among IL towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#58 · Most library borrowing →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
413K
visits
5.3 per resident
699K
loans, print + digital
8.9 per resident
1,964
programs & events
36K attended
25K
library cards
32% 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
5.3 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
8.9 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
32% of residents
A little below typical (34th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
699K loans last year
Books & media (adults)100%Kids’ books & media0%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
1,964 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$103 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $8M.
Local 87%State 1%Federal 1%Gifts & other 11%
Locations
Other libraries in Evanston
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.