Library · Rensselaer
Rensselaer Public Library
Rensselaer Public Library serves Rensselaer’s 9,210 residents. Last year it logged 16,023 visits, about 1.7 for every resident, and lent 25K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Rensselaer Public Library
676 East Street, Rensselaer 12144
43 hrsopen a week
7,075sq ft
26Kbooks & 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
#200
#200 of 241 · Most-used libraries in NY →Among NY towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#207 · Most library borrowing →#230 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
16K
visits
1.7 per resident
25K
loans, print + digital
2.7 per resident
61
programs & events
1,268 attended
6,855
library cards
74% 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
1.7 visits · typical 3.0
A little below typical (27th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
1.6 print items · typical 3.8
Lower than most similar-size libraries (18th percentile)
Digital borrowing
1.1 e-items · typical 1.0
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
0.3 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (10th percentile)
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.5
Lower than most similar-size libraries (16th percentile)
Cardholders
74% of residents
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
25K loans last year
Books & media (adults)49%Kids’ books & media11%E-books, audio & streaming40%
Who the programs are for
61 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$15 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $141K.
Local 97%State 2%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.