Library · Chattanooga
Libraries in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Public Library serves Chattanooga’s 187,030 residents from 5 locations. Last year it logged 339,214 visits, about 1.8 for every resident, and lent 1.1M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library
1001 Broad Street, Chattanooga 37402
50 hrsopen a week
108,500sq ft
194Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#12
#12 of 19 · Most-used libraries in TN →Among TN towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#10 · Most library borrowing →#5 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
339K
visits
1.8 per resident
1.1M
loans, print + digital
5.9 per resident
2,304
programs & events
61K attended
82K
library cards
44% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 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
1.8 visits · typical 2.1
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
3.9 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.0 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 64% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.7 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.2
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
44% of residents
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.1M loans last year
Books & media (adults)21%Kids’ books & media45%E-books, audio & streaming34%
Who the programs are for
2,304 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$43 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $8M.
Local 89%Gifts & other 11%
Locations
Other libraries in Chattanooga
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.