Library · Duluth
Libraries in Duluth
Duluth Public Library serves Duluth’s 86,788 residents from 3 locations. Last year it logged 328,636 visits, about 3.8 for every resident, and lent 751K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Duluth Public Library - Main
520 W. Superior St., Duluth 55802
44 hrsopen a week
75,000sq ft
326Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#14
#14 of 18 · Most-used libraries in MN →Among MN towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#9 · Most library borrowing →#6 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
329K
visits
3.8 per resident
751K
loans, print + digital
8.7 per resident
767
programs & events
29K attended
53K
library cards
61% 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
3.8 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.2 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 78% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.5 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 58% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.9 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 82% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 50% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
61% of residents
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
751K loans last year
Books & media (adults)39%Kids’ books & media45%E-books, audio & streaming17%
Who the programs are for
767 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$73 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $6.3M.
Local 97%Gifts & other 3%
Locations
Other libraries in Duluth
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.