Library · Gowanda
Gowanda Free Library
Gowanda Free Library serves 2,961 people in and around Gowanda. Last year it logged 9,925 visits, about 3.4 for every resident, and lent 5,736 books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Gowanda Free Library
56 West Main Street, Gowanda 14070
36 hrsopen a week
5,986sq ft
12Kbooks & 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
#433
#433 of 757 NY libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in New York that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
9,925
visits
3.4 per resident
5,736
loans, print + digital
1.9 per resident
140
programs & events
2,649 attended
2,307
library cards
78% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 2,500 to 10,000 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
3.4 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
1.9 print items · typical 3.8
Lower than most similar-size libraries (23th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.7 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Program attendance
0.9 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
78% of residents
Higher than 83% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
5,736 loans last year
Books & media (adults)66%Kids’ books & media34%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
140 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$31 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $91K.
Local 49%State 1%Gifts & other 50%
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.