Library · Lancaster
Lancaster Public Library
Lancaster Public Library serves 45,106 people in and around Lancaster. Last year it logged 91,268 visits, about 2.0 for every resident, and lent 256K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Lancaster Public Library
5466 Broadway, Lancaster 14086
56 hrsopen a week
15,609sq ft
64Kbooks & 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
#587
#587 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
91K
visits
2.0 per resident
256K
loans, print + digital
5.7 per resident
612
programs & events
16K attended
19K
library cards
42% 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
2.0 visits · typical 2.6
A little below typical (37th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
5.7 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.5 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 66% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
42% of residents
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
256K loans last year
Books & media (adults)56%Kids’ books & media44%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
612 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$16 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $710K.
Local 93%State 2%Gifts & other 5%
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.