Library · Spokane
Libraries in Spokane
Spokane Public Library serves Spokane’s 233,000 residents from 6 locations. Last year it logged 1,266,849 visits, about 5.4 for every resident, and lent 1.3M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Central Library
906 W. Main Ave., Spokane 99201
116,885sq ft
270Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#5
#5 of 20 · Most-used libraries in WA →Among WA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#16 · Most library borrowing →#16 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
1.3M
visits
5.4 per resident
1.3M
loans, print + digital
5.7 per resident
2,829
programs & events
96K attended
136K
library cards
58% 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
5.4 visits · typical 2.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
2.6 print items · typical 3.2
A little below typical (39th percentile)
Digital borrowing
3.1 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.5 kids’ items · typical 1.6
A little below typical (49th percentile)
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.2
Higher than 84% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
58% of residents
Higher than 77% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.3M loans last year
Books & media (adults)19%Kids’ books & media27%E-books, audio & streaming54%
Who the programs are for
2,829 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$59 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $14M.
Local 95%Federal 0%Gifts & other 5%
Locations
Other libraries in Spokane
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.