Library · Amherst
Libraries in Amherst
Jones Library, Inc. serves 40,059 people in and around Amherst from 3 locations. Last year it logged 163,558 visits, about 4.1 for every resident, and lent 353K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Jones Library, Inc.
43 Amity Street, Amherst 01002
81 hrsopen a week
48,000sq ft
145Kbooks & 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
#179
#179 of 364 MA libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Massachusetts that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
164K
visits
4.1 per resident
353K
loans, print + digital
8.8 per resident
844
programs & events
14K attended
22K
library cards
56% 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
4.1 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 77% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
8.8 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 86% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.1 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
56% of residents
Higher than 76% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
353K loans last year
Books & media (adults)65%Kids’ books & media35%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
844 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$74 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $3M.
Local 72%State 5%Federal 5%Gifts & other 18%
Locations
Other libraries in Amherst
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.