Library · Boston
Libraries in Boston
Boston Public Library serves Boston’s 650,706 residents from 25 locations. Last year it logged 1,368,865 visits, about 2.1 for every resident, and lent 2.2M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston Street, Boston 02116
970,000sq ft
6.8Mbooks & 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
#214
#214 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#211 · Most library borrowing →#187 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
1.4M
visits
2.1 per resident
2.2M
loans, print + digital
3.4 per resident
14K
programs & events
210K attended
629K
library cards
97% 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
2.1 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 51% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
3.4 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.5 kids’ items · typical 1.6
A little below typical (46th percentile)
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.2
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
97% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
2.2M loans last year
Books & media (adults)57%Kids’ books & media43%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
14,337 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$88 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $57M.
Local 72%State 8%Gifts & other 20%
Locations
Other libraries in Boston
And 12 more in Boston.
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.