Library · Richmond
Libraries in Richmond
Richmond Public Library serves Richmond’s 226,623 residents from 9 locations. Last year it logged 531,936 visits, about 2.3 for every resident, and lent 988K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
The Main Library
101 East Franklin Street, Richmond 23219
65 hrsopen a week
112,620sq ft
372Kbooks & 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
#16
#16 of 24 · Most-used libraries in VA →Among VA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#15 · Most library borrowing →#15 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
532K
visits
2.3 per resident
988K
loans, print + digital
4.4 per resident
1,176
programs & events
6,983 attended
99K
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
2.3 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 58% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
2.7 print items · typical 3.2
A little below typical (40th percentile)
Digital borrowing
1.7 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.3 kids’ items · typical 1.6
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Program attendance
0.0 attendees · typical 0.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (2th percentile)
Cardholders
44% of residents
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
988K loans last year
Books & media (adults)32%Kids’ books & media29%E-books, audio & streaming39%
Who the programs are for
1,176 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$39 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $8.8M.
Local 95%State 3%Gifts & other 2%
Locations
Other libraries in Richmond
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.