Library · Benton
Benton Public Library
Benton Public Library serves Benton’s 1,681 residents. Last year it logged 3,519 visits, about 2.1 for every resident, and lent 7,109 books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Benton Public Library
48 W. Main St., Benton 53803
30 hrsopen a week
1,400sq ft
13Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#335
#335 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
3,519
visits
2.1 per resident
7,109
loans, print + digital
4.2 per resident
14
programs & events
189 attended
394
library cards
23% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving under 2,500 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
2.1 visits · typical 3.5
A little below typical (28th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
3.5 print items · typical 3.9
A little below typical (45th percentile)
Digital borrowing
0.8 e-items · typical 1.0
A little below typical (44th percentile)
Kids’ borrowing
1.2 kids’ items · typical 1.4
A little below typical (46th percentile)
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.7
Lower than most similar-size libraries (13th percentile)
Cardholders
23% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (15th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
7,109 loans last year
Books & media (adults)53%Kids’ books & media29%E-books, audio & streaming18%
Who the programs are for
14 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$34 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $54. Operating budget $57K.
Local 98%Federal 1%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.