Library · Hardwick
Libraries in Hardwick
Paige Memorial Library serves Hardwick’s 1,887 residents. Last year it logged 4,437 visits, about 2.4 for every resident, and lent 6,686 books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Paige Memorial Library
87 Petersham Road, Hardwick 01037
19 hrsopen a week
1,625sq ft
12Kbooks & 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
#284
#284 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
4,437
visits
2.4 per resident
6,686
loans, print + digital
3.5 per resident
272
programs & events
2,290 attended
195
library cards
10% 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
2.4 visits · typical 3.5
A little below typical (32th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
3.5 print items · typical 3.9
A little below typical (46th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.5 kids’ items · typical 1.4
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.2 attendees · typical 0.7
Higher than 69% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
10% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (3th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
6,686 loans last year
Books & media (adults)58%Kids’ books & media42%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
272 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$37 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $54. Operating budget $69K.
Local 92%State 7%Gifts & other 1%
Locations
Other libraries in Hardwick
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.