Library · Detroit
Libraries in Detroit
Detroit Public Library serves 639,111 people in and around Detroit from 19 locations. Last year it logged 343,443 visits, about 0.5 for every resident, and lent 317K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Detroit Public Library
5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit 48202
51 hrsopen a week
420,000sq ft
2.6Mbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#383
#383 of 391 MI libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Michigan that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
343K
visits
0.5 per resident
317K
loans, print + digital
0.5 per resident
4,573
programs & events
83K attended
139K
library cards
22% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 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
0.5 visits · typical 2.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (4th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
0.3 print items · typical 3.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (2th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.2 e-items · typical 1.4
Lower than most similar-size libraries (6th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.1 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (3th percentile)
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (20th percentile)
Cardholders
22% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (15th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
317K loans last year
Books & media (adults)30%Kids’ books & media23%E-books, audio & streaming46%
Who the programs are for
4,573 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$48 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $31M.
Local 91%State 3%Gifts & other 6%
Locations
Other libraries in Detroit
And 6 more in Detroit.
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.