Library · Republic
Rae Hobson Memorial Library
Rae Hobson Memorial Library serves Republic’s 79 residents. Last year it logged 654 visits, about 8.3 for every resident, and lent 351 books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Rae Hobson Memorial Library
401 Pawnee Ave., Republic 66964
10 hrsopen a week
1,668sq ft
4,788books & 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
#73
#73 of 319 KS libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Kansas that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
654
visits
8.3 per resident
351
loans, print + digital
4.4 per resident
251
programs & events
966 attended
62
library cards
78% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving under 2,500 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
8.3 visits · typical 3.5
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.3 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
0.1 e-items · typical 1.0
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
2.4 kids’ items · typical 1.4
Higher than 69% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
12.2 attendees · typical 0.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
78% of residents
Higher than 69% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
351 loans last year
Books & media (adults)43%Kids’ books & media54%E-books, audio & streaming3%
Who the programs are for
251 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$151 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $54. Operating budget $12K.
Local 24%State 62%Gifts & other 14%
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.