Library · Plaistow
Plaistow Public Library
Plaistow Public Library serves Plaistow’s 7,888 residents. Last year it logged 32,413 visits, about 4.1 for every resident, and lent 51K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Plaistow Public Library
85 Main Street, Plaistow 03865
46 hrsopen a week
15,400sq ft
53Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#44
#44 of 122 · Most-used libraries in NH →Among NH towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#59 · Most library borrowing →#44 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
32K
visits
4.1 per resident
51K
loans, print + digital
6.4 per resident
724
programs & events
10K attended
1,883
library cards
24% 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
4.1 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 66% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.8 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 62% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.6 e-items · typical 1.0
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.6 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 71% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.3 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
24% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (20th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
51K loans last year
Books & media (adults)35%Kids’ books & media41%E-books, audio & streaming25%
Who the programs are for
724 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$88 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $692K.
Local 92%Gifts & other 8%
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.