Library · Castine
Witherle Memorial Library
Witherle Memorial Library serves 1,357 people in and around Castine. Last year it logged 15,162 visits, about 11.2 for every resident, and lent 14K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Witherle Memorial Library
41 School Street, Castine 04421
40 hrsopen a week
4,850sq ft
17Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#17
#17 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
15K
visits
11.2 per resident
14K
loans, print + digital
10.5 per resident
562
programs & events
3,819 attended
1,752
library cards
100% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving under 2,500 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
11.2 visits · typical 3.5
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
9.4 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.1 e-items · typical 1.0
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
4.4 kids’ items · typical 1.4
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
2.8 attendees · typical 0.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
100% of residents
Higher than 86% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
14K loans last year
Books & media (adults)47%Kids’ books & media42%E-books, audio & streaming11%
Who the programs are for
562 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$250 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $54. Operating budget $339K.
Local 42%Gifts & other 58%
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.