Library · Lancaster
Thayer Memorial Library
Thayer Memorial Library serves Lancaster’s 8,394 residents. Last year it logged 31,500 visits, about 3.8 for every resident, and lent 62K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Thayer Memorial Library
717 Main St., Lancaster 01523
47 hrsopen a week
19,147sq ft
58Kbooks & 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
#142
#142 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#107 · Most library borrowing →#96 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
32K
visits
3.8 per resident
62K
loans, print + digital
7.3 per resident
434
programs & events
6,493 attended
5,200
library cards
62% 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
3.8 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.3 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 82% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
4.0 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.8 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
62% of residents
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
62K loans last year
Books & media (adults)46%Kids’ books & media54%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
434 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$78 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $656K.
Local 86%State 5%Gifts & other 9%
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.