Library · Walpole
Walpole Public Library
Walpole Public Library serves Walpole’s 26,277 residents. Last year it logged 123,134 visits, about 4.7 for every resident, and lent 165K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Walpole Public Library
143 School St., Walpole 02081
55 hrsopen a week
31,506sq ft
93Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
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
#101
#101 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#129 · Most library borrowing →#154 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
123K
visits
4.7 per resident
165K
loans, print + digital
6.3 per resident
468
programs & events
18K attended
9,560
library cards
36% 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
4.7 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 84% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
6.3 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.4 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 78% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.7 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
36% of residents
A little below typical (43th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
165K loans last year
Books & media (adults)45%Kids’ books & media55%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
468 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$39 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1M.
Local 92%State 6%Gifts & other 2%
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.