Library · Reading
Reading Public Library
Reading Public Library serves Reading’s 25,205 residents. Last year it logged 173,266 visits, about 6.9 for every resident, and lent 342K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Reading Public Library
64 Middlesex Ave., Reading 01867
59 hrsopen a week
38,000sq ft
87Kbooks & 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
#54
#54 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#32 · Most library borrowing →#33 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
173K
visits
6.9 per resident
342K
loans, print + digital
13.6 per resident
728
programs & events
16K attended
16K
library cards
63% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 100,000 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
6.9 visits · typical 2.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
13.6 print items · typical 3.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
7.5 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.6 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 82% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
63% of residents
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
342K loans last year
Books & media (adults)45%Kids’ books & media55%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
728 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$97 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $2.4M.
Local 95%State 3%Gifts & other 2%
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.