Library · Watertown
Libraries in Watertown
Watertown Regional Library serves Watertown’s 23,230 residents. Last year it logged 90,735 visits, about 3.9 for every resident, and lent 235K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Watertown Regional Library
160 6th St. NE, Watertown 57201
63 hrsopen a week
34,460sq ft
118Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#9
#9 of 15 · Most-used libraries in SD →Among SD towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#6 · Most library borrowing →#8 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
91K
visits
3.9 per resident
235K
loans, print + digital
10.1 per resident
682
programs & events
11K attended
10K
library cards
43% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 10,000 to 25,000 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
3.9 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 64% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.2 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.9 e-items · typical 1.1
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.2 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 76% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
43% of residents
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
235K loans last year
Books & media (adults)39%Kids’ books & media32%E-books, audio & streaming29%
Who the programs are for
682 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 $1.1M.
Local 96%Gifts & other 4%
Locations
Other libraries in Watertown
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.