Library · Chesapeake
Libraries in Chesapeake
Chesapeake Public Library serves Chesapeake’s 250,256 residents from 7 locations. Last year it logged 660,776 visits, about 2.6 for every resident, and lent 1.4M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Chesapeake Central Library
298 Cedar Road, Chesapeake 23322
60 hrsopen a week
67,838sq ft
333Kbooks & 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
#15
#15 of 24 · Most-used libraries in VA →Among VA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#13 · Most library borrowing →#14 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
661K
visits
2.6 per resident
1.4M
loans, print + digital
5.4 per resident
2,042
programs & events
48K attended
120K
library cards
48% 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
2.6 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
3.8 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 59% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.7 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.8 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 56% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.2
A little below typical (43th percentile)
Cardholders
48% of residents
Higher than 65% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.4M loans last year
Books & media (adults)35%Kids’ books & media34%E-books, audio & streaming31%
Who the programs are for
2,042 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$49 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $12M.
Local 98%State 2%
Locations
Other libraries in Chesapeake
10.1mi
Richard A. Tucker Memorial LibraryNorfolk Public Library · Norfolk · 45 hrs a week
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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.