Library · Poplar Bluff
Libraries in Poplar Bluff
Poplar Bluff Municipal Library District serves Poplar Bluff’s 16,225 residents from 2 locations. Last year it logged 69,488 visits, about 4.3 for every resident, and lent 156K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Poplar Bluff Municipal Library District
318 N Main St., Poplar Bluff 63901
48 hrsopen a week
21,000sq ft
55Kbooks & 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
#18
#18 of 50 · Most-used libraries in MO →Among MO towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#10 · Most library borrowing →#19 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
69K
visits
4.3 per resident
156K
loans, print + digital
9.6 per resident
294
programs & events
7,773 attended
13K
library cards
82% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 10,000 to 25,000 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
4.3 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 69% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
6.4 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
3.2 e-items · typical 1.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.6 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
82% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
156K loans last year
Books & media (adults)39%Kids’ books & media27%E-books, audio & streaming34%
Who the programs are for
294 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$85 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $1.4M.
Local 91%State 1%Federal 0%Gifts & other 8%
Locations
Other libraries in Poplar Bluff
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.