Library · Charlestown
Silsby Free Public Library
Silsby Free Public Library serves Charlestown’s 4,849 residents. Last year it logged 4,896 visits, about 1.0 for every resident, and lent 7,888 books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Silsby Free Public Library
226 Main Street, Charlestown 03603
30 hrsopen a week
4,325sq ft
20Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#112
#112 of 122 · Most-used libraries in NH →Among NH towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#118 · Most library borrowing →#103 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
4,896
visits
1.0 per resident
7,888
loans, print + digital
1.6 per resident
152
programs & events
1,085 attended
1,261
library cards
26% 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
1.0 visits · typical 3.0
Lower than most similar-size libraries (12th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
0.7 print items · typical 3.8
Lower than most similar-size libraries (6th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.9 e-items · typical 1.0
A little below typical (47th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.5 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (19th percentile)
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.5
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Cardholders
26% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
7,888 loans last year
Books & media (adults)10%Kids’ books & media34%E-books, audio & streaming56%
Who the programs are for
152 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$34 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $163K.
Local 97%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.