Library · Portland
Libraries in Portland
Portland Public Library serves Portland’s 69,104 residents from 4 locations. Last year it logged 379,746 visits, about 5.5 for every resident, and lent 522K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Portland Public Library
5 Monument Square, Portland 04101
154,115sq ft
357Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#19
#19 of 98 · Most-used libraries in ME →Among ME towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#17 · Most library borrowing →#20 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
380K
visits
5.5 per resident
522K
loans, print + digital
7.5 per resident
1,320
programs & events
24K attended
35K
library cards
51% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 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
5.5 visits · typical 2.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.5 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.0 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.6 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 52% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
51% of residents
Higher than 69% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
522K loans last year
Books & media (adults)39%Kids’ books & media34%E-books, audio & streaming27%
Who the programs are for
1,320 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$86 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $5.9M.
Local 76%State 3%Gifts & other 21%
Locations
Other libraries in Portland
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.