Library · Sturbridge
Joshua Hyde Public Library
Joshua Hyde Public Library serves Sturbridge’s 9,882 residents. Last year it logged 46,859 visits, about 4.7 for every resident, and lent 74K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Joshua Hyde Public Library
306 Main Street, Sturbridge 01566
50 hrsopen a week
9,510sq ft
46Kbooks & 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
#104
#104 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#101 · Most library borrowing →#149 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
47K
visits
4.7 per resident
74K
loans, print + digital
7.5 per resident
224
programs & events
3,848 attended
6,593
library cards
67% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 2,500 to 10,000 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
4.7 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.5 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 83% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.9 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.5
A little below typical (41th percentile)
Cardholders
67% of residents
Higher than 77% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
74K loans last year
Books & media (adults)62%Kids’ books & media38%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
224 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$76 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $755K.
Local 99%State 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.