Library · Rochester
Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library
Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library serves Rochester’s 5,816 residents. Last year it logged 8,600 visits, about 1.5 for every resident, and lent 36K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library
17 Constitution Way, Rochester 02770
38 hrsopen a week
4,680sq ft
19Kbooks & 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
#227
#227 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#138 · Most library borrowing →#138 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
8,600
visits
1.5 per resident
36K
loans, print + digital
6.2 per resident
362
programs & events
5,735 attended
1,780
library cards
31% 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
1.5 visits · typical 3.0
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
6.2 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.0 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 77% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.0 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 78% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
31% of residents
A little below typical (31th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
36K loans last year
Books & media (adults)51%Kids’ books & media49%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
362 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$44 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $258K.
Local 95%State 5%Gifts & other 0%
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.