Library · Lyme
Converse Free Library
Converse Free Library serves Lyme’s 1,742 residents. Last year it logged 14,265 visits, about 8.2 for every resident, and lent 44K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Converse Free Library
38 Union Street, Lyme 03768
35 hrsopen a week
3,886sq ft
38Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#13
#13 of 209 NH libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in New Hampshire that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
14K
visits
8.2 per resident
44K
loans, print + digital
25.4 per resident
189
programs & events
2,488 attended
1,110
library cards
64% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving under 2,500 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 3.5
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
14.0 print items · typical 3.9
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
11.4 e-items · typical 1.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
8.4 kids’ items · typical 1.4
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.4 attendees · typical 0.7
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
64% of residents
Higher than 58% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
44K loans last year
Books & media (adults)22%Kids’ books & media33%E-books, audio & streaming45%
Who the programs are for
189 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$142 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $54. Operating budget $248K.
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.