Library · Watertown
Watertown Free Public Library
Watertown Free Public Library serves 35,022 people in and around Watertown. Last year it logged 326,519 visits, about 9.3 for every resident, and lent 707K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Watertown Free Public Library
123 Main St., Watertown 02472
70 hrsopen a week
44,000sq ft
184Kbooks & 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
#40
#40 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
327K
visits
9.3 per resident
707K
loans, print + digital
20.2 per resident
3,666
programs & events
58K attended
24K
library cards
68% 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
9.3 visits · typical 2.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
20.2 print items · typical 3.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
11.5 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.7 attendees · typical 0.3
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
68% of residents
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
707K loans last year
Books & media (adults)43%Kids’ books & media57%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
3,666 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$113 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $3.9M.
Local 95%State 3%Gifts & other 3%
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.