Library · Newport
Richards Free Library
Richards Free Library serves Newport’s 6,319 residents. Last year it logged 32,747 visits, about 5.2 for every resident, and lent 37K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Richards Free Library
58 North Main Street, Newport 03773
46 hrsopen a week
16,129sq ft
30Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#29
#29 of 122 · Most-used libraries in NH →Among NH towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#65 · Most library borrowing →#43 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
33K
visits
5.2 per resident
37K
loans, print + digital
5.9 per resident
306
programs & events
5,013 attended
2,545
library cards
40% 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
5.2 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 76% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.8 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.1 e-items · typical 1.0
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.8 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.8 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 69% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
40% of residents
A little below typical (48th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
37K loans last year
Books & media (adults)51%Kids’ books & media30%E-books, audio & streaming19%
Who the programs are for
306 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$79 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $502K.
Local 73%Gifts & other 27%
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.