Library · Northbridge
Whitinsville Social Library
Whitinsville Social Library serves Northbridge’s 16,337 residents. Last year it logged 24,880 visits, about 1.5 for every resident, and lent 86K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Whitinsville Social Library
17 Church St., Whitinsville 01588
48 hrsopen a week
14,500sq ft
57Kbooks & 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
#226
#226 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#160 · Most library borrowing →#164 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
25K
visits
1.5 per resident
86K
loans, print + digital
5.3 per resident
534
programs & events
2,302 attended
5,718
library cards
35% 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
1.5 visits · typical 3.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
5.3 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 65% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.5 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 65% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.4
Lower than most similar-size libraries (13th percentile)
Cardholders
35% of residents
A little below typical (41th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
86K loans last year
Books & media (adults)52%Kids’ books & media48%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
534 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$26 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $422K.
Local 64%State 10%Gifts & other 26%
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.