Library · Hays
Hays Public Library
Hays Public Library serves Hays’s 21,040 residents. Last year it logged 138,835 visits, about 6.6 for every resident, and lent 297K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Hays Public Library
1205 Main St., Hays 67601
65 hrsopen a week
39,380sq ft
108Kbooks & 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
#23
#23 of 70 · Most-used libraries in KS →Among KS towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#3 · Most library borrowing →#4 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
139K
visits
6.6 per resident
297K
loans, print + digital
14.1 per resident
1,389
programs & events
35K attended
25K
library cards
100% 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
6.6 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
9.2 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 88% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
4.9 e-items · typical 1.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
5.6 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.6 attendees · typical 0.4
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
100% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
297K loans last year
Books & media (adults)26%Kids’ books & media39%E-books, audio & streaming35%
Who the programs are for
1,389 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$96 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $2M.
Local 96%State 4%Federal 0%
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.