Library · Newton
Newton Free Library
Newton Free Library serves Newton’s 87,381 residents. Last year it logged 446,601 visits, about 5.1 for every resident, and lent 1.2M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Newton Free Library
330 Homer Street, Newton 02459
65 hrsopen a week
91,921sq ft
384Kbooks & 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
#90
#90 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#26 · Most library borrowing →#42 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
447K
visits
5.1 per resident
1.2M
loans, print + digital
14.1 per resident
1,944
programs & events
42K attended
43K
library cards
49% 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
5.1 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 88% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
14.1 print items · typical 3.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
6.3 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 70% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
49% of residents
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.2M loans last year
Books & media (adults)55%Kids’ books & media45%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
1,944 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$72 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $6.3M.
Local 97%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.