Library · Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill Public Library
Chapel Hill Public Library serves Chapel Hill’s 63,288 residents. Last year it logged 391,704 visits, about 6.2 for every resident, and lent 1.5M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Chapel Hill Public Library
100 Library Dr, Chapel Hill 27514
61 hrsopen a week
63,305sq ft
215Kbooks & 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
#2
#2 of 84 NC libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in North Carolina that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
392K
visits
6.2 per resident
1.5M
loans, print + digital
23.6 per resident
542
programs & events
16K attended
74K
library cards
100% 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
6.2 visits · typical 2.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
18.7 print items · typical 3.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
4.9 e-items · typical 1.2
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
12.3 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (37th percentile)
Cardholders
100% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.5M loans last year
Books & media (adults)27%Kids’ books & media52%E-books, audio & streaming21%
Who the programs are for
542 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$63 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $4M.
Local 96%State 1%Federal 0%Gifts & other 3%
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.