Library · Chester
Hamilton Memorial Library
Hamilton Memorial Library serves Chester’s 1,220 residents. Last year it logged 2,400 visits, about 2.0 for every resident, and lent 3,544 books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Hamilton Memorial Library
195 Route 20, Chester 01011
17 hrsopen a week
1,200sq ft
5,263books & 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
#299
#299 of 364 MA libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Massachusetts that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
2,400
visits
2.0 per resident
3,544
loans, print + digital
2.9 per resident
184
programs & events
1,164 attended
216
library cards
18% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving under 2,500 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
2.0 visits · typical 3.5
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
2.9 print items · typical 3.9
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.5 kids’ items · typical 1.4
Lower than most similar-size libraries (20th percentile)
Program attendance
1.0 attendees · typical 0.7
Higher than 62% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
18% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (9th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
3,544 loans last year
Books & media (adults)84%Kids’ books & media16%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
184 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$42 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $54. Operating budget $52K.
Local 89%State 11%
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.