Library · Kelso
Kelso Public Library
Kelso Public Library serves Kelso’s 12,780 residents. Last year it logged 29,257 visits, about 2.3 for every resident, and lent 52K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Kelso Public Library
351 Three Rivers Drive, Suite 1263, Kelso 98626
30 hrsopen a week
11,627sq ft
31Kbooks & 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 20 · Most-used libraries in WA →Among WA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#19 · Most library borrowing →#17 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
29K
visits
2.3 per resident
52K
loans, print + digital
4.0 per resident
452
programs & events
7,898 attended
6,096
library cards
48% 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
2.3 visits · typical 3.1
A little below typical (36th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
2.6 print items · typical 3.9
A little below typical (32th percentile)
Digital borrowing
1.5 e-items · typical 1.1
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.3 kids’ items · typical 1.8
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Program attendance
0.6 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
48% of residents
Higher than 63% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
52K loans last year
Books & media (adults)32%Kids’ books & media32%E-books, audio & streaming36%
Who the programs are for
452 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$47 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $596K.
Local 98%Gifts & other 2%
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.