Library · Bethlehem
Bethlehem Public Library
Bethlehem Public Library serves Bethlehem’s 2,531 residents. Last year it logged 20,773 visits, about 8.2 for every resident, and lent 23K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Bethlehem Public Library
2245 Main Street, Bethlehem 03574
34 hrsopen a week
4,880sq ft
13Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#9
#9 of 122 · Most-used libraries in NH →Among NH towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#25 · Most library borrowing →#29 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
21K
visits
8.2 per resident
23K
loans, print + digital
9.0 per resident
224
programs & events
2,627 attended
1,299
library cards
51% 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
8.2 visits · typical 3.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.3 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 82% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.7 e-items · typical 1.0
Higher than 70% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.8 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.0 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 79% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
51% of residents
Higher than 63% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
23K loans last year
Books & media (adults)50%Kids’ books & media31%E-books, audio & streaming19%
Who the programs are for
224 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$84 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $213K.
Local 94%Gifts & other 6%
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.