Library · Somerville
Libraries in Somerville
Somerville Public Library serves Somerville’s 79,762 residents from 3 locations. Last year it logged 402,113 visits, about 5.0 for every resident, and lent 368K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Somerville Public Library
79 Highland Avenue, Somerville 02143
29,000sq ft
113Kbooks & 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
#94
#94 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#178 · Most library borrowing →#100 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
402K
visits
5.0 per resident
368K
loans, print + digital
4.6 per resident
1,538
programs & events
25K attended
30K
library cards
37% 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
5.0 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.6 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 59% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.0 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (47th percentile)
Cardholders
37% of residents
A little below typical (46th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
368K loans last year
Books & media (adults)57%Kids’ books & media43%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
1,538 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$38 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $3M.
Local 95%State 5%Gifts & other 0%
Locations
Other libraries in Somerville
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.