Library · Portsmouth
Portsmouth Public Library
Portsmouth Public Library serves Portsmouth’s 22,175 residents. Last year it logged 178,685 visits, about 8.1 for every resident, and lent 368K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Portsmouth Public Library
175 Parrott Avenue, Portsmouth 03801
65 hrsopen a week
39,500sq ft
162Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#10
#10 of 122 · Most-used libraries in NH →Among NH towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#3 · Most library borrowing →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
179K
visits
8.1 per resident
368K
loans, print + digital
16.6 per resident
1,046
programs & events
27K attended
9,601
library cards
43% 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
8.1 visits · typical 3.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
11.7 print items · typical 3.9
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
4.9 e-items · typical 1.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.2 attendees · typical 0.4
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
43% of residents
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
368K loans last year
Books & media (adults)71%Kids’ books & media0%E-books, audio & streaming29%
Who the programs are for
1,046 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$109 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $2.4M.
Local 100%
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.