Library · Fort Atkinson
Dwight Foster Public Library
Dwight Foster Public Library serves Fort Atkinson’s 21,940 residents. Last year it logged 84,860 visits, about 3.9 for every resident, and lent 203K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Dwight Foster Public Library
209 Merchants Ave., Fort Atkinson 53538
63 hrsopen a week
33,270sq ft
83Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#183
#183 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
85K
visits
3.9 per resident
203K
loans, print + digital
9.3 per resident
412
programs & events
8,399 attended
8,322
library cards
38% 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
3.9 visits · typical 3.1
Higher than 63% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
7.4 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 81% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.8 e-items · typical 1.1
Higher than 70% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.5 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 80% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.4
A little below typical (45th percentile)
Cardholders
38% of residents
A little below typical (46th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
203K loans last year
Books & media (adults)42%Kids’ books & media38%E-books, audio & streaming20%
Who the programs are for
412 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$42 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $932K.
Local 96%State 1%Federal 0%Gifts & other 3%
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.