Library · Balsam Lake
Balsam Lake Public Library
Balsam Lake Public Library serves Balsam Lake’s 3,577 residents. Last year it logged 10,599 visits, about 3.0 for every resident, and lent 25K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Balsam Lake Public Library
404 Main St., Balsam Lake 54810
41 hrsopen a week
3,200sq ft
16Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#267
#267 of 381 WI libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in Wisconsin that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
11K
visits
3.0 per resident
25K
loans, print + digital
7.1 per resident
179
programs & events
1,835 attended
1,086
library cards
30% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 2,500 to 10,000 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
3.0 visits · typical 3.0
A little below typical (49th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
5.3 print items · typical 3.8
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.8 e-items · typical 1.0
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.7 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.5
Higher than 51% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
30% of residents
A little below typical (31th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
25K loans last year
Books & media (adults)37%Kids’ books & media38%E-books, audio & streaming25%
Who the programs are for
179 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$49 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $177K.
Local 82%Gifts & other 18%
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.