Library · Melrose
Melrose Public Library
Melrose Public Library serves Melrose’s 29,155 residents. Last year it logged 84,318 visits, about 2.9 for every resident, and lent 212K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Melrose Public Library
69 West Emerson St., Melrose 02176
55 hrsopen a week
24,185sq ft
64Kbooks & 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
#179
#179 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#106 · Most library borrowing →#104 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
84K
visits
2.9 per resident
212K
loans, print + digital
7.3 per resident
267
programs & events
3,703 attended
16K
library cards
53% 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
2.9 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.3 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 79% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.9 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 83% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.3
Lower than most similar-size libraries (14th percentile)
Cardholders
53% of residents
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
212K loans last year
Books & media (adults)46%Kids’ books & media54%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
267 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$48 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.4M.
Local 89%State 5%Gifts & other 6%
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.