Library · Durham
Durham Public Library
Durham Public Library serves Durham’s 14,695 residents. Last year it logged 69,089 visits, about 4.7 for every resident, and lent 104K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Durham Public Library
49 Madbury Road, Durham 03824
47 hrsopen a week
10,500sq ft
39Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#37
#37 of 122 · Most-used libraries in NH →Among NH towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#49 · Most library borrowing →#10 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
69K
visits
4.7 per resident
104K
loans, print + digital
7.1 per resident
498
programs & events
10K attended
5,631
library cards
38% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 10,000 to 25,000 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
4.7 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.9 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.2 e-items · typical 1.1
Higher than 78% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.7 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 69% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.7 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
38% of residents
A little below typical (47th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
104K loans last year
Books & media (adults)31%Kids’ books & media38%E-books, audio & streaming31%
Who the programs are for
498 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$46 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $679K.
Local 93%Gifts & other 7%
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.