Library · Southbridge
Jacob Edwards Library
Jacob Edwards Library serves 17,619 people in and around Southbridge. Last year it logged 58,386 visits, about 3.3 for every resident, and lent 47K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Jacob Edwards Library
236 Main St., Southbridge 01550
46 hrsopen a week
24,456sq ft
88Kbooks & 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
#228
#228 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
58K
visits
3.3 per resident
47K
loans, print + digital
2.7 per resident
509
programs & events
15K attended
9,358
library cards
53% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 10,000 to 25,000 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
3.3 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
2.7 print items · typical 3.9
A little below typical (33th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.9 kids’ items · typical 1.8
A little below typical (29th percentile)
Program attendance
0.9 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 82% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
53% of residents
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
47K loans last year
Books & media (adults)66%Kids’ books & media34%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
509 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$42 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $744K.
Local 83%State 9%Gifts & other 8%
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.