Library · Salem
Bancroft Public Library
Bancroft Public Library serves Salem’s 2,612 residents. Last year it logged 17,615 visits, about 6.7 for every resident, and lent 20K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Bancroft Public Library
181 Main Street, Salem 12865
34 hrsopen a week
1,776sq ft
19Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#36
#36 of 241 · Most-used libraries in NY →Among NY towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#76 · Most library borrowing →#48 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
18K
visits
6.7 per resident
20K
loans, print + digital
7.5 per resident
305
programs & events
4,289 attended
1,348
library cards
52% 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
6.7 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
6.0 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.5 e-items · typical 1.0
Higher than 66% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.7 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.6 attendees · typical 0.5
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
52% of residents
Higher than 64% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
20K loans last year
Books & media (adults)44%Kids’ books & media36%E-books, audio & streaming20%
Who the programs are for
305 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$36 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $93K.
Local 70%State 10%Gifts & other 20%
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.