Library · Salem
Salem Public Library
Salem Public Library serves Salem’s 44,722 residents. Last year it logged 108,463 visits, about 2.4 for every resident, and lent 263K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Salem Public Library
370 Essex St., Salem 01970
64 hrsopen a week
25,500sq ft
129Kbooks & 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
#203
#203 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#144 · Most library borrowing →#141 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
108K
visits
2.4 per resident
263K
loans, print + digital
5.9 per resident
464
programs & events
9,269 attended
18K
library cards
41% 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
2.4 visits · typical 2.6
A little below typical (46th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
5.9 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 70% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.3 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 63% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (29th percentile)
Cardholders
41% of residents
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
263K loans last year
Books & media (adults)61%Kids’ books & media39%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
464 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$43 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.9M.
Local 89%State 6%Gifts & other 5%
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.