Library · Dalton
Dalton Free Public Library
Dalton Free Public Library serves Dalton’s 6,236 residents. Last year it logged 36,000 visits, about 5.8 for every resident, and lent 53K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Dalton Free Public Library
462 Main Street, Dalton 01226
33 hrsopen a week
5,335sq ft
46Kbooks & 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
#75
#75 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#89 · Most library borrowing →#99 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
36K
visits
5.8 per resident
53K
loans, print + digital
8.4 per resident
213
programs & events
4,633 attended
2,578
library cards
41% 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
5.8 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
8.4 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 86% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
4.2 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.7 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 66% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
41% of residents
A little below typical (49th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
53K loans last year
Books & media (adults)51%Kids’ books & media49%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
213 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$38 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $238K.
Local 89%State 8%Gifts & other 3%
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.