Library · Leicester
Leicester Public Library
Leicester Public Library serves Leicester’s 11,033 residents. Last year it logged 30,798 visits, about 2.8 for every resident, and lent 35K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Leicester Public Library
1136 Main St., Leicester 01524
39 hrsopen a week
17,272sq ft
33Kbooks & 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
#186
#186 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#225 · Most library borrowing →#204 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
31K
visits
2.8 per resident
35K
loans, print + digital
3.2 per resident
282
programs & events
3,769 attended
2,865
library cards
26% 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
2.8 visits · typical 3.1
A little below typical (45th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
3.2 print items · typical 3.9
A little below typical (40th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.7 kids’ items · typical 1.8
A little below typical (47th percentile)
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.4
A little below typical (39th percentile)
Cardholders
26% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
35K loans last year
Books & media (adults)47%Kids’ books & media53%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
282 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$24 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $265K.
Local 86%State 11%Gifts & other 3%
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.