Library · Sterling
Sterling Public Library
Sterling Public Library serves Sterling’s 14,764 residents. Last year it logged 52,118 visits, about 3.5 for every resident, and lent 75K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Sterling Public Library
102 West Third Street, Sterling 61081
49 hrsopen a week
18,200sq ft
50Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
#146
#146 of 262 · Most-used libraries in IL →Among IL towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#130 · Most library borrowing →#9 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
52K
visits
3.5 per resident
75K
loans, print + digital
5.1 per resident
435
programs & events
6,273 attended
4,125
library cards
28% 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
3.5 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.1 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 52% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.0 e-items · typical 1.1
A little below typical (46th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
2.2 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 59% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.4
A little below typical (49th percentile)
Cardholders
28% of residents
A little below typical (28th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
75K loans last year
Books & media (adults)37%Kids’ books & media44%E-books, audio & streaming19%
Who the programs are for
435 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$45 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $663K.
Local 58%State 29%Gifts & other 13%
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.