Library · Somerset
Mary S Biesecker Public Library
Mary S Biesecker Public Library serves 6,048 people in and around Somerset. Last year it logged 10,438 visits, about 1.7 for every resident, and lent 24K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Mary S Biesecker Public Library
230 S Rosina Ave, Somerset 15501
47 hrsopen a week
3,531sq ft
19Kbooks & 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
#279
#279 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
10K
visits
1.7 per resident
24K
loans, print + digital
4.0 per resident
174
programs & events
2,461 attended
4,179
library cards
69% 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
3.4 print items · typical 3.8
A little below typical (44th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.6 e-items · typical 1.0
A little below typical (35th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.1 kids’ items · typical 1.6
A little below typical (36th percentile)
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.5
A little below typical (42th percentile)
Cardholders
69% of residents
Higher than 78% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
24K loans last year
Books & media (adults)57%Kids’ books & media28%E-books, audio & streaming15%
Who the programs are for
174 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$74 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $448K.
Local 17%State 7%Gifts & other 76%
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.