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A recent article in American Libraries states:
SLOW ECONOMY FUELS SURGE IN LIBRARY VISITS

CHICAGO - With the nation facing tough economic times, Americans are visiting their local public libraries more often and checking out items with greater frequency. Libraries across the United States report that more people are turning to libraries in record numbers to take advantage of the free resources available there.

According to the ALA’s 2008 State of America’s Libraries Report, Americans visited their libraries nearly 1.3 billion times and checked out more than 2 billion items in the past year, an increase of more than 10 percent in both checked out items and library visits, compared to data from the last economic downturn in 2001.

ALA President Jim Rettig said, “During tough economic times, people turn to libraries for their incredible array of free resources, from computers to books, DVDs and CDs, for help with a job hunt or health information. The average annual cost to the taxpayer for access to this wide range of resources is about $31, the cost of one hardcover book. In good times or bad, libraries are a great value!”

At the Howard County Library in Columbia, Md., from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008, visits to its six branches exceeded 2.6 million - a 26 percent increase compared to past usage. Users borrowed more than 5.6 million items, an increase of 15 percent, and attendance at library classes, seminars, workshops and events set a new record of 140,000 attendees, a 12 percent increase.

Many library users have reported that high gas prices have kept their families off the road and in their homes. Families that cannot afford vacations are turning to their local library for free activities near home. For example, the Palmyra (Pa.) Public Library summer reading program increased by 163 percent over the past year; Guthrie Memorial Library in Hanover, Pa., experienced a 54 percent increase in program attendance; and the Adamstown (Pa.) Library summer reading program increased by 16 percent.

Library users are not only saving money on entertainment, but also finding savings related to Internet access. In South Florida a patron that paid $60 a month for Internet access canceled his service, so that he could take advantage of the free Internet service offered at the Hollywood (Fla.) Public Library, a savings of more than $700.

“As the economy slows, libraries continue to be changing and dynamic places that offer our nation’s communities free access to information that can better lives and support lifelong learning,” Rettig said.

Libraries are helping level the playing field for job seekers as well. Less than 44 percent of the top 100 U.S. retailers accept in-store paper applications. Libraries continue to report that many patrons are turning to library computers to prepare resumes and cover letters, find work, apply for jobs online and open e-mail accounts.

Many libraries also design and offer programs tailored to meet local community economic needs, providing residents with guidance (including sessions with career advisers), career training and workshops, job-search resources and connections with outside agencies that offer training and job placement. Millington (Tenn.) Public Library has seen patron attendance double for free adult programs in education, small business development and job networking.

Such services have given libraries a reputation for offering local government an excellent return on investment.. In Florida, a study showed that libraries create jobs, raise wages and increase gross regional product. Florida public libraries return $6.54 for every $1 invested from all sources. A study in South Carolina showed that every dollar expended on the state’s public libraries by state and local governments brought a return on investment of $4.48 — nearly 350 percent. Studies in Ohio, Seattle and Phoenix echo these findings.

There have been countless examples of how libraries encourage business development and help retain and create jobs. They serve as an important link to the business community, assisting with job creation and training programs, as well as contributing to business development initiatives.

To learn more about America’s libraries, please visit the ALA Web site at http://www.ala.org. Additional library statistical data is available through ALA’s Office for Research and Statistics at http://www.ala.org/ors.

The American Library Association (ALA), the voice of America’s libraries, is the oldest, largest and most influential library association in the world. Its approximately 65,000 members are primarily librarians but also trustees, publishers and other library supporters. The association represents all types of libraries; its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information.

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It has been very hectic here at the library and many of you have been so supportive. First it was the parking problems of summer and then it was a week closing for carpet replacement. The Town has placed new parking signs along Kingstown Road which limits parking to 2 hours. We hope this helps. The Town Council has plans to continue to work on some solutions to the parking issues. You can still find things not quite put together from the carpeting project and you certainly will notice a change in layout of some of our collections. Many of these changes were in response to comments from you. We tried to make the audio books more accessible with better organization. You should find more table space for computer use and more access to electric plugs. There are also more spots to just sit and read the newspaper. We are hoping to replace some old furniture and improve on keeping a openness in the library. It was a lot of work but I think we will all find that it is more comfortable and easy to use, once we get used to the changes! And again you have been very supportive and we thank you for that!!

Hi–We are open again and incredibly busy! So, please be patient. We really are trying to get to you as soon as possible! By the way we hope the changes in the floor plan haven’t thrown you off too much. If it is any consolation, we are still reaching for things in the old places; so, you are not alone. Thanks again for your patience.

The Library is closed this week for rug replacement —anything that was due this week and checked out from our library will now be due on July 1st. Look for us to open next week with a whole new look!

Is there a town issue that you have found yourself talking about? One particular issue in town that I have heard a lot about is what I refer to as the “P” word. This word causes a great deal of stress for me (and you). I rarely allow myself to say it. Have you guessed what this issue is about yet? Parking!!
Where do I start? The library has always had issues with parking. The small lot of 17 spots to share with the Comfort Station, the Bus Stop and at times the other businesses across the street has never been enough for certain times of the day. This is most notable during the summer or when there are library programs that attract large groups of people such as our story time and Tuesday Movie Matinees. We were fortunate to have the large lot across from the library to use in the past.
However with the new businesses in town that lot, as many have noticed is no longer available for public use. One thing that we have done to help is to have staff park in other areas to keep our lot open to patrons. This helps, but not very much. The Town has given passes for the staff to park along the streets and there is talk of a shuttle, but as we know much of the parking in the pier area is taken by beach goers, so these are not really solutions to the overall problem. It really comes down to the fact that there are not enough parking spaces for everyone.
So try to have patience, and don’t give up. We continue to investigate ideas and solutions to alleviate this situation. We will be having staff and volunteers monitor our lot for library users only. Please feel free to talk to me about the “P” word!!!
Patti