Library · Cheltenham
Libraries in Cheltenham
Cheltenham Township Library System serves Cheltenham’s 37,452 residents from 4 locations. Last year it logged 149,861 visits, about 4.0 for every resident, and lent 334K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Elkins Park Free Library
563 East Church Road, Elkins Park 19027
55 hrsopen a week
11,700sq ft
134Kbooks & 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
#22
#22 of 53 · Most-used libraries in PA →Among PA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#22 · Most library borrowing →#22 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
150K
visits
4.0 per resident
334K
loans, print + digital
8.9 per resident
708
programs & events
11K attended
14K
library cards
37% 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
4.0 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 76% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.1 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 78% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.8 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.5 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (46th percentile)
Cardholders
37% of residents
A little below typical (44th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
334K loans last year
Books & media (adults)40%Kids’ books & media40%E-books, audio & streaming21%
Who the programs are for
708 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$59 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $2.2M.
Local 84%State 7%Gifts & other 9%
Locations
Other libraries in Cheltenham
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.