Library · Chatham
Libraries in Chatham
Eldredge Public Library serves Chatham’s 6,643 residents. Last year it logged 131,587 visits, about 19.8 for every resident, and lent 88K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Eldredge Public Library
564 Main St., Chatham 02633
42 hrsopen a week
18,000sq ft
60Kbooks & 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
#3
#3 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#36 · Most library borrowing →#4 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
132K
visits
19.8 per resident
88K
loans, print + digital
13.3 per resident
607
programs & events
14K attended
6,560
library cards
99% 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
19.8 visits · typical 3.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
13.3 print items · typical 3.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
5.0 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
2.1 attendees · typical 0.5
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
99% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
88K loans last year
Books & media (adults)63%Kids’ books & media37%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
607 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$198 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $1.3M.
Local 60%State 1%Gifts & other 39%
Locations
Other libraries in Chatham
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.