Library · Eau Claire
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library serves Eau Claire’s 91,323 residents. Last year it logged 264,359 visits, about 2.9 for every resident, and lent 839K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library
400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire 54701
62 hrsopen a week
70,000sq ft
125Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#275
#275 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
264K
visits
2.9 per resident
839K
loans, print + digital
9.2 per resident
929
programs & events
41K attended
30K
library cards
33% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 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
2.9 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 57% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.1 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 78% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.1 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.3 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 77% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 66% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
33% of residents
A little below typical (37th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
839K loans last year
Books & media (adults)41%Kids’ books & media36%E-books, audio & streaming23%
Who the programs are for
929 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$67 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $6.1M.
Local 98%State 0%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.