Library · Scotch Plains
Scotch Plains Public Library
Scotch Plains Public Library serves Scotch Plains’s 24,968 residents. Last year it logged 79,292 visits, about 3.2 for every resident, and lent 209K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Scotch Plains Public Library
1927 Bartle Avenue, Scotch Plains 07076
57 hrsopen a week
14,000sq ft
84Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#106
#106 of 236 · Most-used libraries in NJ →Among NJ towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#64 · Most library borrowing →#78 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
79K
visits
3.2 per resident
209K
loans, print + digital
8.4 per resident
680
programs & events
13K attended
9,036
library cards
36% 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
3.2 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 51% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
6.1 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.3 e-items · typical 1.1
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.7 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 59% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
36% of residents
A little below typical (43th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
209K loans last year
Books & media (adults)29%Kids’ books & media44%E-books, audio & streaming27%
Who the programs are for
680 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$71 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $1.8M.
Local 99%State 1%Gifts & other 0%
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.