Library · River Forest
River Forest Public Library
River Forest Public Library serves River Forest’s 11,717 residents. Last year it logged 107,294 visits, about 9.2 for every resident, and lent 161K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
River Forest Public Library
735 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest 60305
67 hrsopen a week
14,625sq ft
46Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#13
#13 of 262 · Most-used libraries in IL →Among IL towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#26 · Most library borrowing →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
107K
visits
9.2 per resident
161K
loans, print + digital
13.7 per resident
425
programs & events
12K attended
5,222
library cards
45% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 10,000 to 25,000 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
9.2 visits · typical 3.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
13.7 print items · typical 3.9
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.0 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 88% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
45% of residents
Higher than 58% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
161K loans last year
Books & media (adults)100%Kids’ books & media0%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
425 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$124 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $1.5M.
Local 94%State 3%Gifts & other 2%
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.