Library · Cambridge
Libraries in Cambridge
Cambridge Public Library serves Cambridge’s 118,488 residents from 7 locations. Last year it logged 963,891 visits, about 8.1 for every resident, and lent 1.3M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Cambridge Public Library
449 Broadway, Cambridge 02138
104,000sq ft
374Kbooks & 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
#40
#40 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#58 · Most library borrowing →#8 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
964K
visits
8.1 per resident
1.3M
loans, print + digital
11.3 per resident
5,016
programs & events
104K attended
84K
library cards
71% 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
8.1 visits · typical 2.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
11.3 print items · typical 3.2
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
5.7 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.9 attendees · typical 0.2
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
71% of residents
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.3M loans last year
Books & media (adults)50%Kids’ books & media50%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
5,016 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$127 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $15M.
Local 99%State 1%Gifts & other 0%
Locations
Other libraries in Cambridge
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.