Library · Wabash
Libraries in Wabash
West Lafayette Public Library serves Wabash’s 44,595 residents. Last year it logged 174,229 visits, about 3.9 for every resident, and lent 333K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
West Lafayette Public Library
208 West Columbia Street, West Lafayette 47906
60 hrsopen a week
79,470sq ft
118Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#80
#80 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
174K
visits
3.9 per resident
333K
loans, print + digital
7.5 per resident
428
programs & events
11K attended
11K
library cards
25% 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
3.9 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.9 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 62% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.5 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.8 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (37th percentile)
Cardholders
25% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
333K loans last year
Books & media (adults)29%Kids’ books & media37%E-books, audio & streaming34%
Who the programs are for
428 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$28 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.3M.
Local 87%State 3%Gifts & other 10%
Locations
Other libraries in Wabash
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.