Library · Lake Benton
Lake Benton Public Library
Lake Benton Public Library serves Lake Benton’s 1,364 residents. Last year it logged 5,738 visits, about 4.2 for every resident, and lent 8,773 books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Lake Benton Public Library
110 East Benton St., Lake Benton 56149
36 hrsopen a week
1,740sq ft
12Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#50
#50 of 139 MN libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Minnesota that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
5,738
visits
4.2 per resident
8,773
loans, print + digital
6.4 per resident
32
programs & events
208 attended
247
library cards
18% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving under 2,500 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
4.2 visits · typical 3.5
Higher than 59% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.7 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
0.8 e-items · typical 1.0
A little below typical (43th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
2.9 kids’ items · typical 1.4
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (16th percentile)
Cardholders
18% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (9th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
8,773 loans last year
Books & media (adults)44%Kids’ books & media45%E-books, audio & streaming12%
Who the programs are for
32 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$34 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $54. Operating budget $47K.
Local 85%Gifts & other 15%
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.