Library · Liberal
Liberal Memorial Library
Liberal Memorial Library serves Liberal’s 18,999 residents. Last year it logged 64,957 visits, about 3.4 for every resident, and lent 45K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Liberal Memorial Library
519 N. Kansas Avenue, Liberal 67901
58 hrsopen a week
17,000sq ft
53Kbooks & 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
#49
#49 of 70 · Most-used libraries in KS →Among KS towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#67 · Most library borrowing →#69 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
65K
visits
3.4 per resident
45K
loans, print + digital
2.4 per resident
322
programs & events
5,273 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
3.4 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
1.9 print items · typical 3.9
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.4 e-items · typical 1.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.8 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.4
A little below typical (31th percentile)
Cardholders
100% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
45K loans last year
Books & media (adults)48%Kids’ books & media33%E-books, audio & streaming19%
Who the programs are for
322 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$37 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $704K.
Local 85%State 7%Federal 0%Gifts & other 8%
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.