Library · Bethel
Bethel Library Assn.
Bethel Library Assn. serves 4,078 people in and around Bethel. Last year it logged 6,812 visits, about 1.7 for every resident, and lent 10K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Bethel Library Assn.
6 Broad Street, Bethel 04217
27 hrsopen a week
2,435sq ft
14Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#152
#152 of 255 ME libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Maine that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
6,812
visits
1.7 per resident
10K
loans, print + digital
2.5 per resident
121
programs & events
875 attended
2,941
library cards
72% 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
1.7 visits · typical 3.0
A little below typical (25th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
1.9 print items · typical 3.8
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.6 e-items · typical 1.0
A little below typical (36th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.7 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.5
Lower than most similar-size libraries (23th percentile)
Cardholders
72% of residents
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
10K loans last year
Books & media (adults)49%Kids’ books & media26%E-books, audio & streaming25%
Who the programs are for
121 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$23 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $94K.
Local 33%Gifts & other 67%
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.