Library · Chester
Chester Public Library
Chester Public Library serves Chester’s 5,339 residents. Last year it logged 9,039 visits, about 1.7 for every resident, and lent 17K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Chester Public Library
3 Chester Street, Chester 03036
36 hrsopen a week
3,600sq ft
30Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#95
#95 of 122 · Most-used libraries in NH →Among NH towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#106 · Most library borrowing →#92 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
9,039
visits
1.7 per resident
17K
loans, print + digital
3.3 per resident
210
programs & events
2,516 attended
929
library cards
17% 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
1.7 visits · typical 3.0
A little below typical (26th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
2.0 print items · typical 3.8
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Digital borrowing
1.3 e-items · typical 1.0
Higher than 59% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.1 kids’ items · typical 1.6
A little below typical (36th percentile)
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.5
A little below typical (48th percentile)
Cardholders
17% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (11th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
17K loans last year
Books & media (adults)28%Kids’ books & media34%E-books, audio & streaming38%
Who the programs are for
210 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$45 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $238K.
Local 91%Gifts & other 9%
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.