Library · East Chicago
Libraries in East Chicago
East Chicago Public Library serves 26,370 people in and around East Chicago from 2 locations. Last year it logged 46,500 visits, about 1.8 for every resident, and lent 13K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
East Chicago Public Library
2401 East Columbus Drive, East Chicago 46312
60 hrsopen a week
35,500sq ft
142Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#183
#183 of 236 IN libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Indiana that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
47K
visits
1.8 per resident
13K
loans, print + digital
0.5 per resident
1,278
programs & events
18K attended
22K
library cards
83% 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
1.8 visits · typical 2.6
A little below typical (30th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
0.3 print items · typical 3.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (2th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.2 e-items · typical 1.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (10th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.2 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (4th percentile)
Program attendance
0.7 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
83% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
13K loans last year
Books & media (adults)25%Kids’ books & media32%E-books, audio & streaming43%
Who the programs are for
1,278 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$159 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $4.2M.
Local 82%State 2%Gifts & other 16%
Locations
Other libraries in East Chicago
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.