Library · Hickory
Libraries in Hickory
Hickory Public Library serves Hickory’s 45,415 residents from 2 locations. Last year it logged 133,612 visits, about 2.9 for every resident, and lent 299K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library
375 3rd St. NE, Hickory 28601
58 hrsopen a week
40,800sq ft
130Kbooks & 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
#17
#17 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
134K
visits
2.9 per resident
299K
loans, print + digital
6.6 per resident
861
programs & events
16K attended
16K
library cards
36% 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
2.9 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.3 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 66% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.3 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 52% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.5 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
36% of residents
A little below typical (41th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
299K loans last year
Books & media (adults)43%Kids’ books & media38%E-books, audio & streaming19%
Who the programs are for
861 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$50 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $2.3M.
Local 96%State 1%Federal 1%Gifts & other 1%
Locations
Other libraries in Hickory
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.