Library · China
Libraries in China
South China Public Library serves China’s 4,568 residents. Last year it logged 978 visits, about 0.2 for every resident, and lent 2,508 books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
South China Public Library
27 Jones Road, South China 04358
7 hrsopen a week
1,200sq ft
12Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#95
#95 of 98 · Most-used libraries in ME →Among ME towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#95 · Most library borrowing →#92 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
978
visits
0.2 per resident
2,508
loans, print + digital
0.5 per resident
2
programs & events
107 attended
559
library cards
12% 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
0.2 visits · typical 3.0
Lower than most similar-size libraries (1th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
0.4 print items · typical 3.8
Lower than most similar-size libraries (3th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.1 e-items · typical 1.0
Lower than most similar-size libraries (12th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.2 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (8th percentile)
Program attendance
0.0 attendees · typical 0.5
Lower than most similar-size libraries (3th percentile)
Cardholders
12% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (6th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
2,508 loans last year
Books & media (adults)37%Kids’ books & media41%E-books, audio & streaming21%
Who the programs are for
2 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$2 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $11K.
Local 79%Gifts & other 21%
Locations
Other libraries in China
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.