Library · Spencer
Richard Sugden Public Library
Richard Sugden Public Library serves Spencer’s 11,911 residents. Last year it logged 11,200 visits, about 0.9 for every resident, and lent 28K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Richard Sugden Public Library
8 Pleasant Street, Spencer 01562
32 hrsopen a week
13,500sq ft
37Kbooks & 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
#241
#241 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#235 · Most library borrowing →#228 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
11K
visits
0.9 per resident
28K
loans, print + digital
2.3 per resident
324
programs & events
5,843 attended
4,305
library cards
36% 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
0.9 visits · typical 3.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (9th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
2.3 print items · typical 3.9
A little below typical (29th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.0 kids’ items · typical 1.8
A little below typical (31th percentile)
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
36% of residents
A little below typical (43th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
28K loans last year
Books & media (adults)58%Kids’ books & media42%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
324 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$48 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $570K.
Local 93%State 6%Gifts & other 1%
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.