Library · Essex
Essex Free
Essex Free serves Essex’s 11,486 residents. Last year it logged 30,248 visits, about 2.6 for every resident, and lent 71K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Essex Free
1 Browns River Road, Essex 05451
51 hrsopen a week
5,284sq ft
36Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#29
#29 of 43 · Most-used libraries in VT →Among VT towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#18 · Most library borrowing →#17 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
30K
visits
2.6 per resident
71K
loans, print + digital
6.2 per resident
412
programs & events
3,834 attended
5,096
library cards
44% 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
2.6 visits · typical 3.1
A little below typical (42th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
4.3 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.9 e-items · typical 1.1
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.3 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 60% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.4
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Cardholders
44% of residents
Higher than 58% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
71K loans last year
Books & media (adults)33%Kids’ books & media36%E-books, audio & streaming30%
Who the programs are for
412 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$44 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $502K.
Local 99%State 0%Federal 0%Gifts & other 1%
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.