Library · Dedham
Libraries in Dedham
Dedham Public Library serves Dedham’s 24,997 residents from 2 locations. Last year it logged 91,683 visits, about 3.7 for every resident, and lent 154K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Dedham Public Library
43 Church St., Dedham 02026
99 hrsopen a week
17,546sq ft
57Kbooks & 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
#143
#143 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#134 · Most library borrowing →#98 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
92K
visits
3.7 per resident
154K
loans, print + digital
6.2 per resident
1,562
programs & events
21K attended
9,706
library cards
39% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 10,000 to 25,000 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
3.7 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 60% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
6.2 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.8 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 82% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.9 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
39% of residents
A little below typical (48th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
154K loans last year
Books & media (adults)39%Kids’ books & media61%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
1,562 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$83 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $2.1M.
Local 97%State 3%Gifts & other 0%
Locations
Other libraries in Dedham
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.