Library · Belfast
Belfast Free Library
Belfast Free Library serves Belfast’s 7,069 residents. Last year it logged 124,620 visits, about 17.6 for every resident, and lent 99K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Belfast Free Library
106 High Street, Belfast 04915
48 hrsopen a week
20,200sq ft
54Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#2
#2 of 98 · Most-used libraries in ME →Among ME towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#2 · Most library borrowing →#2 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
125K
visits
17.6 per resident
99K
loans, print + digital
14.0 per resident
232
programs & events
8,726 attended
4,937
library cards
70% 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
17.6 visits · typical 3.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
14.0 print items · typical 3.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
5.5 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.2 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
70% of residents
Higher than 79% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
99K loans last year
Books & media (adults)61%Kids’ books & media39%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
232 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$113 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $800K.
Local 81%Gifts & other 19%
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.