Library · Royalston
Phinehas S. Newton Library
Phinehas S. Newton Library serves Royalston’s 1,261 residents. Last year it logged 8,638 visits, about 6.9 for every resident, and lent 6,846 books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Phinehas S. Newton Library
19 on the Common, Royalston 01368
17 hrsopen a week
1,639sq ft
15Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#84
#84 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
8,638
visits
6.9 per resident
6,846
loans, print + digital
5.4 per resident
127
programs & events
1,748 attended
769
library cards
61% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving under 2,500 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 3.5
Higher than 79% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.4 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 65% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.8 kids’ items · typical 1.4
Higher than 59% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.4 attendees · typical 0.7
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
61% of residents
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
6,846 loans last year
Books & media (adults)67%Kids’ books & media33%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
127 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$84 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $54. Operating budget $106K.
Local 77%State 7%Federal 3%Gifts & other 13%
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.