Library · Newark
Libraries in Newark
Newark Public Library serves Newark’s 311,549 residents from 7 locations. Last year it logged 267,140 visits, about 0.9 for every resident, and lent 115K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Newark Public Library
5 Washington Street, Newark 07101
58 hrsopen a week
106,085sq ft
851Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#220
#220 of 236 · Most-used libraries in NJ →Among NJ towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#228 · Most library borrowing →#207 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
267K
visits
0.9 per resident
115K
loans, print + digital
0.4 per resident
1,923
programs & events
23K attended
131K
library cards
42% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 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
0.9 visits · typical 2.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (7th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
0.2 print items · typical 3.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (1th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.2 e-items · typical 1.4
Lower than most similar-size libraries (4th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.1 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (2th percentile)
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (7th percentile)
Cardholders
42% of residents
Higher than 51% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
115K loans last year
Books & media (adults)31%Kids’ books & media27%E-books, audio & streaming43%
Who the programs are for
1,923 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$45 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $14M.
Local 95%State 2%Gifts & other 3%
Locations
Other libraries in Newark
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.