Library · Exeter
Exeter Public Library
Exeter Public Library serves Exeter’s 6,460 residents. Last year it logged 22,239 visits, about 3.4 for every resident, and lent 59K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Exeter Public Library
773 Ten Rod Road, Exeter 02822
43 hrsopen a week
6,400sq ft
27Kbooks & 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
#14
#14 of 30 · Most-used libraries in RI →Among RI towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#8 · Most library borrowing →#5 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
22K
visits
3.4 per resident
59K
loans, print + digital
9.2 per resident
190
programs & events
3,471 attended
2,182
library cards
34% 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
3.4 visits · typical 3.0
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.2 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 82% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.0 e-items · typical 1.0
Higher than 76% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
4.3 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 88% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
34% of residents
A little below typical (37th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
59K loans last year
Books & media (adults)31%Kids’ books & media47%E-books, audio & streaming21%
Who the programs are for
190 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$48 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $310K.
Local 78%State 17%Federal 5%Gifts & other 1%
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.