Library · Providence
Libraries in Providence
Providence Public Library serves Providence’s 59,190 residents. Last year it logged 88,698 visits, about 1.5 for every resident, and lent 152K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Providence Public Library
150 Empire Street, Providence 02903
50 hrsopen a week
116,000sq ft
319Kbooks & 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
#39
#39 of 48 RI libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Rhode Island that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
89K
visits
1.5 per resident
152K
loans, print + digital
2.6 per resident
2,663
programs & events
28K attended
15K
library cards
25% 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
1.5 visits · typical 2.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (23th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
1.7 print items · typical 3.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (23th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.9 e-items · typical 1.2
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
0.5 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (14th percentile)
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 70% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
25% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (21th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
152K loans last year
Books & media (adults)48%Kids’ books & media18%E-books, audio & streaming34%
Who the programs are for
2,663 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$153 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $9M.
Local 4%State 24%Federal 4%Gifts & other 68%
Locations
Other libraries in Providence
1.3mi
Knight Memorial LibraryCommunity Libraries of Providence · Providence · 50 hrs a week
Directions →1.5mi
Mount Pleasant BranchCommunity Libraries of Providence · Providence · 50 hrs a week
Directions →1.5mi
South Providence BranchCommunity Libraries of Providence · Providence · 33 hrs a week
Directions →2.3mi
Washington Park BranchCommunity Libraries of Providence · Providence · 33 hrs a week
Directions →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.