Library · Gary
Libraries in Gary
Gary Public Library serves 64,914 people in and around Gary from 3 locations. Last year it logged 169,821 visits, about 2.6 for every resident, and lent 139K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Gary Public Library
220 W. 5th Avenue, Gary 46402
60 hrsopen a week
77,668sq ft
767Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#140
#140 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
170K
visits
2.6 per resident
139K
loans, print + digital
2.1 per resident
289
programs & events
5,027 attended
40K
library cards
61% 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
2.6 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 50% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
1.3 print items · typical 3.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (16th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.9 e-items · typical 1.2
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.4 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (11th percentile)
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.3
Lower than most similar-size libraries (7th percentile)
Cardholders
61% of residents
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
139K loans last year
Books & media (adults)43%Kids’ books & media17%E-books, audio & streaming40%
Who the programs are for
289 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$50 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $3.3M.
Local 87%State 7%Gifts & other 5%
Locations
Other libraries in Gary
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.