Library · Lower Merion
Libraries in Lower Merion
Lower Merion Library System serves Lower Merion’s 63,633 residents from 6 locations. Last year it logged 557,374 visits, about 8.8 for every resident, and lent 1.2M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Gladwyne Free Library
362 Righters Mill Road, Gladwyne 19035
51 hrsopen a week
7,020sq ft
469Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
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
#2
#2 of 53 · Most-used libraries in PA →Among PA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#2 · Most library borrowing →#5 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
557K
visits
8.8 per resident
1.2M
loans, print + digital
18.2 per resident
1,780
programs & events
44K attended
40K
library cards
63% 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
8.8 visits · typical 2.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
15.1 print items · typical 3.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
3.1 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
8.3 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.7 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
63% of residents
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.2M loans last year
Books & media (adults)37%Kids’ books & media46%E-books, audio & streaming17%
Who the programs are for
1,780 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$108 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $6.9M.
Local 84%State 3%Gifts & other 12%
Locations
Other libraries in Lower Merion
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.