Library · Preston
Preston Public Library
Preston Public Library serves Preston’s 4,804 residents. Last year it logged 10,777 visits, about 2.2 for every resident, and lent 24K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Preston Public Library
101 St. Paul St. NW, Preston 55965
40 hrsopen a week
3,500sq ft
41Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#110
#110 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
11K
visits
2.2 per resident
24K
loans, print + digital
4.9 per resident
119
programs & events
907 attended
1,309
library cards
27% 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
2.2 visits · typical 3.0
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
4.3 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
0.7 e-items · typical 1.0
A little below typical (37th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.9 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.5
Lower than most similar-size libraries (21th percentile)
Cardholders
27% of residents
A little below typical (25th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
24K loans last year
Books & media (adults)48%Kids’ books & media38%E-books, audio & streaming13%
Who the programs are for
119 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$25 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $118K.
Local 74%Gifts & other 26%
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.