Library · South Berwick
South Berwick Public Library
South Berwick Public Library serves South Berwick’s 7,753 residents. Last year it logged 28,717 visits, about 3.7 for every resident, and lent 40K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
South Berwick Public Library
27 Young Street, South Berwick 03908
35 hrsopen a week
6,500sq ft
29Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#34
#34 of 98 · Most-used libraries in ME →Among ME towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#33 · Most library borrowing →#35 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
29K
visits
3.7 per resident
40K
loans, print + digital
5.2 per resident
369
programs & events
4,026 attended
2,055
library cards
27% 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
3.7 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.8 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 62% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
0.4 e-items · typical 1.0
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
3.1 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 78% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 52% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
27% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
40K loans last year
Books & media (adults)34%Kids’ books & media59%E-books, audio & streaming7%
Who the programs are for
369 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$34 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $261K.
Local 93%Gifts & other 7%
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.