Library · Suffolk
Libraries in Suffolk
Suffolk Public Library System serves Suffolk’s 96,130 residents from 3 locations. Last year it logged 135,308 visits, about 1.4 for every resident, and lent 375K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Morgan Memorial Library
443 W. Washington Street, Suffolk 23434
54 hrsopen a week
15,894sq ft
155Kbooks & 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
#23
#23 of 24 · Most-used libraries in VA →Among VA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#17 · Most library borrowing →#16 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
135K
visits
1.4 per resident
375K
loans, print + digital
3.9 per resident
713
programs & events
20K attended
9,332
library cards
10% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 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
1.4 visits · typical 2.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (21th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
3.2 print items · typical 3.7
A little below typical (44th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.7 e-items · typical 1.2
A little below typical (30th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.7 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 51% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.3
A little below typical (30th percentile)
Cardholders
10% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (4th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
375K loans last year
Books & media (adults)39%Kids’ books & media44%E-books, audio & streaming17%
Who the programs are for
713 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$44 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $4.3M.
Local 94%State 6%Gifts & other 0%
Locations
Other libraries in Suffolk
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.