Library · Amherst
Libraries in Amherst
Amherst Public Library serves Amherst’s 129,595 residents from 4 locations. Last year it logged 350,363 visits, about 2.7 for every resident, and lent 984K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Amherst Public Library
350 John James Audubon Pkwyy., Amherst 14228
63 hrsopen a week
21,122sq ft
313Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#151
#151 of 241 · Most-used libraries in NY →Among NY towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#70 · Most library borrowing →#46 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
350K
visits
2.7 per resident
984K
loans, print + digital
7.6 per resident
808
programs & events
21K attended
64K
library cards
49% 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
2.7 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 70% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.6 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.2 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.2
A little below typical (31th percentile)
Cardholders
49% of residents
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
984K loans last year
Books & media (adults)58%Kids’ books & media42%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
808 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$17 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $2.3M.
Local 90%State 6%Gifts & other 5%
Locations
Other libraries in Amherst
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.