Library · Cranston
Libraries in Cranston
Cranston Public Library serves Cranston’s 82,934 residents from 6 locations. Last year it logged 235,123 visits, about 2.8 for every resident, and lent 563K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Cranston Public Library
140 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston 02920
61 hrsopen a week
29,678sq ft
220Kbooks & 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
#17
#17 of 30 · Most-used libraries in RI →Among RI towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#14 · Most library borrowing →#20 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
235K
visits
2.8 per resident
563K
loans, print + digital
6.8 per resident
1,264
programs & events
25K attended
34K
library cards
41% 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
2.8 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.3 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 65% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.5 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.0 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (46th percentile)
Cardholders
41% of residents
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
563K loans last year
Books & media (adults)48%Kids’ books & media29%E-books, audio & streaming22%
Who the programs are for
1,264 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$48 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $4M.
Local 79%State 20%Federal 1%Gifts & other 1%
Locations
Other libraries in Cranston
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.