Library · Ashby
Ashby Free Public Library
Ashby Free Public Library serves Ashby’s 3,163 residents. Last year it logged 42,823 visits, about 13.5 for every resident, and lent 13K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Ashby Free Public Library
812 Main Street, Ashby 01431
26 hrsopen a week
11,200sq ft
32Kbooks & 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
#8
#8 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#187 · Most library borrowing →#176 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
43K
visits
13.5 per resident
13K
loans, print + digital
4.3 per resident
326
programs & events
2,989 attended
1,179
library cards
37% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 2,500 to 10,000 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
13.5 visits · typical 3.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.3 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.9 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.9 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 76% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
37% of residents
A little below typical (42th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
13K loans last year
Books & media (adults)56%Kids’ books & media44%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
326 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 $117K.
Local 71%State 5%Gifts & other 24%
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.