Library · Wells
Wells Public Library
Wells Public Library serves Wells’s 11,855 residents. Last year it logged 83,811 visits, about 7.1 for every resident, and lent 74K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Wells Public Library
1434 Post Road, Wells 04090
39 hrsopen a week
14,830sq ft
37Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#12
#12 of 98 · Most-used libraries in ME →Among ME towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#26 · Most library borrowing →#39 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
84K
visits
7.1 per resident
74K
loans, print + digital
6.2 per resident
445
programs & events
9,834 attended
5,596
library cards
47% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 10,000 to 25,000 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
7.1 visits · typical 3.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.4 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 66% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
0.8 e-items · typical 1.1
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.9 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.8 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
47% of residents
Higher than 63% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
74K loans last year
Books & media (adults)56%Kids’ books & media31%E-books, audio & streaming13%
Who the programs are for
445 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$60 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $714K.
Local 98%Gifts & other 2%
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.