Library · Carlsbad
Carlsbad Public Library
Carlsbad Public Library serves Carlsbad’s 32,238 residents. Last year it logged 146,951 visits, about 4.6 for every resident, and lent 73K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Carlsbad Public Library
101 S. Halagueno, Carlsbad 88220
60 hrsopen a week
22,500sq ft
60Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#7
#7 of 36 · Most-used libraries in NM →Among NM towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#25 · Most library borrowing →#18 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
147K
visits
4.6 per resident
73K
loans, print + digital
2.3 per resident
554
programs & events
10K attended
11K
library cards
33% 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
4.6 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 83% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
1.8 print items · typical 3.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.5 e-items · typical 1.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (23th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.0 kids’ items · typical 1.7
A little below typical (32th percentile)
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (49th percentile)
Cardholders
33% of residents
A little below typical (35th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
73K loans last year
Books & media (adults)34%Kids’ books & media44%E-books, audio & streaming22%
Who the programs are for
554 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$33 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.1M.
Local 92%State 6%Gifts & other 2%
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.