Library · Swarthmore
Swarthmore Public Library
Swarthmore Public Library serves 6,543 people in and around Swarthmore. Last year it logged 70,985 visits, about 10.8 for every resident, and lent 102K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Swarthmore Public Library
121 Park Avenue, Swarthmore 19081
49 hrsopen a week
5,874sq ft
35Kbooks & 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
#5
#5 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
71K
visits
10.8 per resident
102K
loans, print + digital
15.6 per resident
588
programs & events
10K attended
3,126
library cards
48% 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
10.8 visits · typical 3.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
11.8 print items · typical 3.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
3.8 e-items · typical 1.0
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
6.5 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
1.6 attendees · typical 0.5
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
48% of residents
Higher than 58% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
102K loans last year
Books & media (adults)34%Kids’ books & media41%E-books, audio & streaming24%
Who the programs are for
588 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$51 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $333K.
Local 68%State 9%Gifts & other 23%
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.