Library · Provincetown
Provincetown Public Library
Provincetown Public Library serves Provincetown’s 3,723 residents. Last year it logged 102,342 visits, about 27.5 for every resident, and lent 14K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Provincetown Public Library
356 Commercial St., Provincetown 02657
50 hrsopen a week
10,990sq ft
39Kbooks & 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
#1
#1 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#203 · Most library borrowing →#23 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
102K
visits
27.5 per resident
14K
loans, print + digital
3.7 per resident
578
programs & events
6,887 attended
4,202
library cards
100% 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
27.5 visits · typical 3.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
3.7 print items · typical 3.8
A little below typical (49th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.1 kids’ items · typical 1.6
A little below typical (35th percentile)
Program attendance
1.8 attendees · typical 0.5
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
100% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
14K loans last year
Books & media (adults)71%Kids’ books & media29%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
578 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$152 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $565K.
Local 99%State 1%
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.