Library · Norfolk
Libraries in Norfolk
Norfolk Public Library serves Norfolk’s 11,552 residents. Last year it logged 62,984 visits, about 5.5 for every resident, and lent 104K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Norfolk Public Library
2 Liberty Lane, Norfolk 02056
41 hrsopen a week
23,000sq ft
71Kbooks & 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
#123
#123 of 364 MA libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Massachusetts that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
63K
visits
5.5 per resident
104K
loans, print + digital
9.0 per resident
449
programs & events
6,846 attended
5,662
library cards
49% 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
5.5 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
9.0 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 88% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
5.3 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.6 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 65% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
49% of residents
Higher than 65% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
104K loans last year
Books & media (adults)41%Kids’ books & media59%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
449 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$75 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $864K.
Local 95%State 4%Gifts & other 1%
Locations
Other libraries in Norfolk
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.