Library · Reading
Libraries in Reading
Reading Public Library serves Reading’s 130,706 residents from 4 locations. Last year it logged 172,051 visits, about 1.3 for every resident, and lent 205K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Reading Public Library
100 S. 5th Street, Reading 19602
51 hrsopen a week
22,722sq ft
252Kbooks & 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
#336
#336 of 440 PA libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Pennsylvania that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
172K
visits
1.3 per resident
205K
loans, print + digital
1.6 per resident
2,682
programs & events
41K attended
17K
library cards
13% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 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
1.3 visits · typical 2.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (18th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
1.2 print items · typical 3.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (12th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.3 e-items · typical 1.4
Lower than most similar-size libraries (11th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.5 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (11th percentile)
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.2
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
13% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (6th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
205K loans last year
Books & media (adults)46%Kids’ books & media33%E-books, audio & streaming21%
Who the programs are for
2,682 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$40 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $5.2M.
Local 65%State 16%Gifts & other 19%
Locations
Other libraries in Reading
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.