Library · Paxton
Richards Memorial Library
Richards Memorial Library serves Paxton’s 5,024 residents. Last year it logged 13,689 visits, about 2.7 for every resident, and lent 31K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Richards Memorial Library
44 Richards Ave., Paxton 01612
34 hrsopen a week
7,169sq ft
32Kbooks & 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
#191
#191 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#142 · Most library borrowing →#129 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
14K
visits
2.7 per resident
31K
loans, print + digital
6.1 per resident
187
programs & events
3,510 attended
1,591
library cards
32% 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
2.7 visits · typical 3.0
A little below typical (46th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
6.1 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.8 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.7 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 63% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
32% of residents
A little below typical (33th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
31K loans last year
Books & media (adults)55%Kids’ books & media45%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
187 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$50 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $250K.
Local 75%State 6%Federal 12%Gifts & other 8%
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.