Library · Chelmsford
Libraries in Chelmsford
Chelmsford Public Library serves Chelmsford’s 35,906 residents from 2 locations. Last year it logged 166,064 visits, about 4.6 for every resident, and lent 391K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Chelmsford Public Library
25 Boston Rd., Chelmsford 01824
72 hrsopen a week
29,610sq ft
122Kbooks & 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
#106
#106 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#61 · Most library borrowing →#69 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
166K
visits
4.6 per resident
391K
loans, print + digital
10.9 per resident
1,308
programs & events
28K attended
12K
library cards
33% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 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
4.6 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 84% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
10.9 print items · typical 3.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
5.4 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.8 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
33% of residents
A little below typical (35th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
391K loans last year
Books & media (adults)50%Kids’ books & media50%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
1,308 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$81 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $2.9M.
Local 93%State 3%Gifts & other 3%
Locations
Other libraries in Chelmsford
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.