Library · Watertown
Watertown Public Library
Watertown Public Library serves Watertown’s 31,048 residents. Last year it logged 156,777 visits, about 5.0 for every resident, and lent 339K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Watertown Public Library
100 S. Water St., Watertown 53094
64 hrsopen a week
41,528sq ft
98Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#113
#113 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
157K
visits
5.0 per resident
339K
loans, print + digital
10.9 per resident
812
programs & events
22K attended
13K
library cards
42% 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
5.0 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
9.1 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.8 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
4.6 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.7 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 87% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
42% of residents
Higher than 55% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
339K loans last year
Books & media (adults)41%Kids’ books & media42%E-books, audio & streaming17%
Who the programs are for
812 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$38 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $1.2M.
Local 89%State 1%Gifts & other 10%
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.