Library · Bristol
Libraries in Bristol
Bristol Public Library serves Bristol’s 17,231 residents from 2 locations. Last year it logged 197,718 visits, about 11.5 for every resident, and lent 283K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Bristol Public Library
701 Goode Street, Bristol 24201
63 hrsopen a week
45,000sq ft
196Kbooks & 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
#1
#1 of 24 · Most-used libraries in VA →Among VA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#2 · Most library borrowing →#2 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
198K
visits
11.5 per resident
283K
loans, print + digital
16.4 per resident
923
programs & events
12K attended
4,519
library cards
26% 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
11.5 visits · typical 3.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
11.6 print items · typical 3.9
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
4.8 e-items · typical 1.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
6.2 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.7 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 73% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
26% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (24th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
283K loans last year
Books & media (adults)33%Kids’ books & media38%E-books, audio & streaming29%
Who the programs are for
923 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$131 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $2.3M.
Local 88%State 9%Federal 0%Gifts & other 3%
Locations
Other libraries in Bristol
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.