Library · Bedford
Bedford Free Public Library
Bedford Free Public Library serves Bedford’s 14,161 residents. Last year it logged 154,176 visits, about 10.9 for every resident, and lent 240K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Bedford Free Public Library
7 Mudge Way, Bedford 01730
64 hrsopen a week
34,168sq ft
97Kbooks & 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
#15
#15 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#12 · Most library borrowing →#17 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
154K
visits
10.9 per resident
240K
loans, print + digital
16.9 per resident
529
programs & events
8,652 attended
9,555
library cards
67% 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
10.9 visits · typical 3.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
16.9 print items · typical 3.9
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
8.4 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.6 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
67% of residents
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
240K loans last year
Books & media (adults)50%Kids’ books & media50%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
529 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$131 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $1.8M.
Local 93%State 2%Gifts & other 5%
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.