Library · Merrill
T.B. Scott Free Library
T.B. Scott Free Library serves Merrill’s 19,810 residents. Last year it logged 60,375 visits, about 3.0 for every resident, and lent 133K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
T.B. Scott Free Library
106 W. First St., Merrill 54452
48 hrsopen a week
27,000sq ft
66Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#262
#262 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
60K
visits
3.0 per resident
133K
loans, print + digital
6.7 per resident
308
programs & events
6,355 attended
8,325
library cards
42% 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
3.0 visits · typical 3.1
A little below typical (49th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
5.3 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 65% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.4 e-items · typical 1.1
Higher than 60% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.4 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 64% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.4
A little below typical (37th percentile)
Cardholders
42% of residents
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
133K loans last year
Books & media (adults)42%Kids’ books & media36%E-books, audio & streaming21%
Who the programs are for
308 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$55 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $1.1M.
Local 96%State 0%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.