Library · Worcester
Libraries in Worcester
Worcester Public Library serves Worcester’s 205,319 residents from 7 locations. Last year it logged 441,799 visits, about 2.2 for every resident, and lent 648K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Worcester Public Library
3 Salem Square, Worcester 01608
153,000sq ft
569Kbooks & 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
#209
#209 of 255 · Most-used libraries in MA →Among MA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#221 · Most library borrowing →#207 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
442K
visits
2.2 per resident
648K
loans, print + digital
3.2 per resident
4,810
programs & events
88K attended
95K
library cards
46% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 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
2.2 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 52% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
3.2 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 50% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.6 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 50% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.2
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
46% of residents
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
648K loans last year
Books & media (adults)49%Kids’ books & media51%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
4,810 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$39 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $8M.
Local 72%State 8%Federal 2%Gifts & other 18%
Locations
Other libraries in Worcester
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.