Library · South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee Public Library
South Milwaukee Public Library serves South Milwaukee’s 20,494 residents. Last year it logged 56,994 visits, about 2.8 for every resident, and lent 140K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
South Milwaukee Public Library
1907 10th Ave., South Milwaukee 53172
44 hrsopen a week
27,482sq ft
75Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#28
#28 of 30 · Most-used libraries in WI →Among WI towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#28 · Most library borrowing →#29 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
57K
visits
2.8 per resident
140K
loans, print + digital
6.8 per resident
382
programs & events
9,155 attended
4,899
library cards
24% 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
2.8 visits · typical 3.1
A little below typical (45th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
5.6 print items · typical 3.9
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.2 e-items · typical 1.1
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.9 kids’ items · typical 1.8
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.4
Higher than 52% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
24% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (20th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
140K loans last year
Books & media (adults)54%Kids’ books & media28%E-books, audio & streaming18%
Who the programs are for
382 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$32 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $43. Operating budget $648K.
Local 95%State 1%Gifts & other 4%
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.