Van Horne’s library lends 0.4 print items per resident, against a typical 3.9 for libraries its size

Van Horne Public Library is used less than most libraries its size

Van Horne Public Library records 1.2 visits per resident, against a typical 3.5 for libraries serving under 2,500 people. Borrowing is 0.4 print items per resident, against a typical 3.9. It also spends less than most: $18 per resident, against a typical $54. How it compares ↓

Programs are almost all for children

97% of the 62 programs last year were for ages 11 and under, including 1 for ages 0–5. Kids & programs ↓

Kids’ books are most of what goes out

Children’s books and media make up 89% of print loans. Per resident, kids’ borrowing is lower than at 85% of similar-size libraries, so the high share mostly reflects light borrowing by adults. What people borrow ↓

A small-town library

Van Horne Public Library serves 2,344 residents with about one full-time staff, open about 26 hours a week. It’s compared only with libraries serving under 2,500 people, because per-person numbers always look big in a small town. A year at the library ↓

Runs on less money than most

Van Horne Public Library spends $18 per resident, less than 93% of similar-size libraries (typical: $54). What your card is worth ↓