Library · Rochester
Libraries in Rochester
Rochester Public Library serves Rochester’s 33,018 residents. Last year it logged 117,454 visits, about 3.6 for every resident, and lent 141K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Rochester Public Library
65 South Main Street, Rochester 03867
54 hrsopen a week
25,000sq ft
66Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#53
#53 of 122 · Most-used libraries in NH →Among NH towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#89 · Most library borrowing →#87 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
117K
visits
3.6 per resident
141K
loans, print + digital
4.3 per resident
392
programs & events
12K attended
3,063
library cards
9% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 100,000 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
3.6 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 69% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
3.3 print items · typical 3.7
A little below typical (44th percentile)
Digital borrowing
1.0 e-items · typical 1.2
A little below typical (44th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.2 kids’ items · typical 1.7
A little below typical (37th percentile)
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
9% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (3th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
141K loans last year
Books & media (adults)49%Kids’ books & media27%E-books, audio & streaming23%
Who the programs are for
392 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$45 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.5M.
Local 99%Gifts & other 1%
Locations
Other libraries in Rochester
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.