Library · Dover
Dover Town Library
Dover Town Library serves Dover’s 5,860 residents. Last year it logged 59,921 visits, about 10.2 for every resident, and lent 73K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Dover Town Library
56 Dedham St., Dover 02030
51 hrsopen a week
12,000sq ft
36Kbooks & 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
#21
#21 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#50 · Most library borrowing →#50 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
60K
visits
10.2 per resident
73K
loans, print + digital
12.5 per resident
356
programs & events
12K attended
3,057
library cards
52% 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
10.2 visits · typical 3.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
12.5 print items · typical 3.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
7.6 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
52% of residents
Higher than 64% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
73K loans last year
Books & media (adults)40%Kids’ books & media60%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
356 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$189 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $1.1M.
Local 92%State 0%Gifts & other 7%
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.