Library · Harwich
Libraries in Harwich
Brooks Free Library serves Harwich’s 13,373 residents. Last year it logged 84,155 visits, about 6.3 for every resident, and lent 195K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Brooks Free Library
739 Main Street, Harwich 02645
46 hrsopen a week
20,312sq ft
73Kbooks & 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
#63
#63 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#22 · Most library borrowing →#10 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
84K
visits
6.3 per resident
195K
loans, print + digital
14.6 per resident
840
programs & events
17K attended
10K
library cards
77% 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
6.3 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
14.6 print items · typical 3.9
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
5.2 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.2 attendees · typical 0.4
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
77% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
195K loans last year
Books & media (adults)64%Kids’ books & media36%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
840 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$102 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $1.4M.
Local 96%Gifts & other 4%
Locations
Other libraries in Harwich
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.