Library · West Brookfield
Merriam-Gilbert Public Library
Merriam-Gilbert Public Library serves West Brookfield’s 3,817 residents. Last year it logged 26,187 visits, about 6.9 for every resident, and lent 31K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Merriam-Gilbert Public Library
3 West Main St., West Brookfield 01585
29 hrsopen a week
4,500sq ft
27Kbooks & 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
#56
#56 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#93 · Most library borrowing →#27 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
26K
visits
6.9 per resident
31K
loans, print + digital
8.2 per resident
240
programs & events
2,821 attended
2,361
library cards
62% 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
6.9 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 86% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
8.2 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 86% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
4.6 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.7 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 66% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
62% of residents
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
31K loans last year
Books & media (adults)44%Kids’ books & media56%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
240 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$71 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $269K.
Local 81%State 6%Gifts & other 13%
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.