Library · Lawrence
Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Public Library serves Lawrence’s 87,954 residents. Last year it logged 69,291 visits, about 0.8 for every resident, and lent 29K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Lawrence Public Library
51 Lawrence St., Lawrence 01841
55 hrsopen a week
50,238sq ft
81Kbooks & 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
#244
#244 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#255 · Most library borrowing →#254 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
69K
visits
0.8 per resident
29K
loans, print + digital
0.3 per resident
502
programs & events
14K attended
11K
library cards
13% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 100,000 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
0.8 visits · typical 2.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (6th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
0.3 print items · typical 3.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (2th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.2 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (4th percentile)
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.3
Lower than most similar-size libraries (19th percentile)
Cardholders
13% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (6th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
29K loans last year
Books & media (adults)52%Kids’ books & media48%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
502 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$20 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.8M.
Local 80%State 18%Gifts & other 2%
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.