Library · Malden
Malden Public Library
Malden Public Library serves Malden’s 64,712 residents. Last year it logged 398,500 visits, about 6.2 for every resident, and lent 210K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Malden Public Library
36 Salem St., Malden 02148
58 hrsopen a week
61,000sq ft
230Kbooks & 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
#64
#64 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#222 · Most library borrowing →#179 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
399K
visits
6.2 per resident
210K
loans, print + digital
3.2 per resident
677
programs & events
16K attended
56K
library cards
86% 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
6.2 visits · typical 2.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
3.2 print items · typical 3.7
A little below typical (44th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.9 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (36th percentile)
Cardholders
86% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
210K loans last year
Books & media (adults)41%Kids’ books & media59%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
677 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$27 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.7M.
Local 88%State 9%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.