Library · South River
South River Public Library
South River Public Library serves South River’s 16,118 residents. Last year it logged 19,865 visits, about 1.2 for every resident, and lent 32K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
South River Public Library
55 Appleby Avenue, So. River 08882
45 hrsopen a week
14,500sq ft
36Kbooks & media
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
#206
#206 of 236 · Most-used libraries in NJ →Among NJ towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#196 · Most library borrowing →#185 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
20K
visits
1.2 per resident
32K
loans, print + digital
2.0 per resident
277
programs & events
3,261 attended
1,998
library cards
12% 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
1.2 visits · typical 3.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (15th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
1.6 print items · typical 3.9
Lower than most similar-size libraries (17th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.4 e-items · typical 1.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (20th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.8 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.4
Lower than most similar-size libraries (21th percentile)
Cardholders
12% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (4th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
32K loans last year
Books & media (adults)41%Kids’ books & media39%E-books, audio & streaming20%
Who the programs are for
277 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$39 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $621K.
Local 98%State 1%Gifts & other 1%
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.