Library · Ely
Ely Public Library
Ely Public Library serves Ely’s 3,249 residents. Last year it logged 41,413 visits, about 12.7 for every resident, and lent 65K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Ely Public Library
224 E Chapman St., Ely 55731
44 hrsopen a week
6,630sq ft
41Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#1
#1 of 18 · Most-used libraries in MN →Among MN towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#2 · Most library borrowing →#1 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
41K
visits
12.7 per resident
65K
loans, print + digital
20.2 per resident
142
programs & events
2,140 attended
3,113
library cards
96% 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
12.7 visits · typical 3.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
16.4 print items · typical 3.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
3.7 e-items · typical 1.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
5.1 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.7 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
96% of residents
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
65K loans last year
Books & media (adults)56%Kids’ books & media26%E-books, audio & streaming18%
Who the programs are for
142 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$130 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $424K.
Local 94%Gifts & other 6%
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.