Library · Palmer
Palmer Public Library
Palmer Public Library serves 12,337 people in and around Palmer. Last year it logged 58,465 visits, about 4.7 for every resident, and lent 80K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Palmer Public Library
1455 North Main St., Palmer 01069
42 hrsopen a week
30,000sq ft
67Kbooks & 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
#146
#146 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
58K
visits
4.7 per resident
80K
loans, print + digital
6.5 per resident
292
programs & events
6,435 attended
13K
library cards
100% 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
4.7 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
6.5 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.0 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 58% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
100% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
80K loans last year
Books & media (adults)69%Kids’ books & media31%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
292 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$114 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $1.4M.
Local 22%State 1%Gifts & other 77%
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.