Library · Wichita
Libraries in Wichita
Wichita Public Library serves Wichita’s 396,119 residents from 7 locations. Last year it logged 646,814 visits, about 1.6 for every resident, and lent 1.7M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St. N, Wichita 67203
57 hrsopen a week
105,200sq ft
620Kbooks & 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
#68
#68 of 70 · Most-used libraries in KS →Among KS towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#55 · Most library borrowing →#60 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
647K
visits
1.6 per resident
1.7M
loans, print + digital
4.3 per resident
1,485
programs & events
65K attended
285K
library cards
72% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 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
1.6 visits · typical 2.1
A little below typical (31th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
2.6 print items · typical 3.2
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Digital borrowing
1.7 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 58% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.2 kids’ items · typical 1.6
A little below typical (36th percentile)
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.2
A little below typical (32th percentile)
Cardholders
72% of residents
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.7M loans last year
Books & media (adults)32%Kids’ books & media28%E-books, audio & streaming40%
Who the programs are for
1,485 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$31 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $12M.
Local 93%State 3%Gifts & other 4%
Locations
Other libraries in Wichita
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.