Library · Waukesha
Waukesha Public Library
Waukesha Public Library serves Waukesha’s 88,995 residents. Last year it logged 306,624 visits, about 3.4 for every resident, and lent 1M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
Waukesha Public Library
321 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha 53186
66 hrsopen a week
71,566sq ft
272Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#23
#23 of 30 · Most-used libraries in WI →Among WI towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#11 · Most library borrowing →#9 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
307K
visits
3.4 per resident
1M
loans, print + digital
11.4 per resident
861
programs & events
41K attended
36K
library cards
40% 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
3.4 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
9.3 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 88% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.1 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
4.6 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 88% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
40% of residents
Higher than 51% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1M loans last year
Books & media (adults)42%Kids’ books & media40%E-books, audio & streaming18%
Who the programs are for
861 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$52 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $4.6M.
Local 94%State 1%Gifts & other 6%
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.