Library · Orange
Libraries in Orange
Wheeler Memorial Library serves Orange’s 7,558 residents from 2 locations. Last year it logged 13,185 visits, about 1.7 for every resident, and lent 25K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Wheeler Memorial Library
49 East Main Street, Orange 01364
44 hrsopen a week
6,324sq ft
42Kbooks & 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
#223
#223 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#220 · Most library borrowing →#236 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
13K
visits
1.7 per resident
25K
loans, print + digital
3.3 per resident
249
programs & events
2,938 attended
3,084
library cards
41% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 2,500 to 10,000 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
1.7 visits · typical 3.0
A little below typical (27th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
3.3 print items · typical 3.8
A little below typical (43th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.0 kids’ items · typical 1.6
A little below typical (32th percentile)
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.5
A little below typical (41th percentile)
Cardholders
41% of residents
A little below typical (48th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
25K loans last year
Books & media (adults)70%Kids’ books & media30%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
249 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$51 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $383K.
Local 100%
Locations
Other libraries in Orange
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.