Library · South Kingstown
Libraries in South Kingstown
South Kingstown Public Library serves South Kingstown’s 31,931 residents from 3 locations. Last year it logged 90,536 visits, about 2.8 for every resident, and lent 258K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
South Kingstown Public Library
1057 Kingstown Road, South Kingstown 02879
52 hrsopen a week
16,000sq ft
82Kbooks & 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
#18
#18 of 30 · Most-used libraries in RI →Among RI towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#11 · Most library borrowing →#8 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
91K
visits
2.8 per resident
258K
loans, print + digital
8.1 per resident
521
programs & events
12K attended
9,866
library cards
31% 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
5.8 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 69% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.3 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 78% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.6 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
31% of residents
A little below typical (31th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
258K loans last year
Books & media (adults)40%Kids’ books & media32%E-books, audio & streaming28%
Who the programs are for
521 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$44 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.4M.
Local 73%State 18%Federal 2%Gifts & other 8%
Locations
Other libraries in South Kingstown
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.