Public libraries face a conundrum today as much of our nation grapples with economic hard times. Those hard times extend to the public sector as well with increased pressures to hold down spending as revenues dry up and operating costs increase. The irony for us is that public library use goes up, way up, every time the economy takes a downward turn. (Albany NY Times Union, March 27, 2008.) Studies conducted by universities, media and the American Library Association show that just when the resources that support the library are tightest, the demand for them is highest. (New York Times, August 1, 2008; ALA and University of Illinois, April 18, 2002)
Why? Families also are seeking ways to reduce their spending in the face of increased costs. The public library fills their budget gap. Why pay for books, music, movies, games and entertainment programs when they are available at the library for free? Eliminate that monthly broadband internet bill. The PC and internet access are available at the library (we just increased our available bandwidth) at no charge.
Libraries also get busier in times like these due to an increasing number of folks visiting the library because they have lost their jobs. Savvy workers know that the public library is your one-stop shopping spot when unemployed. At the library we can assist you with preparing a resume, applying for jobs online, locating education and training opportunities, changing careers or starting your own business. The price is right for those on reduced incomes. It is free.
This year, the Irondequoit Public Library is an excellent example of this economic effect. Our numbers, which were flat for a while, have risen dramatically. This summer, we have had the highest numbers of items borrowed and the highest number of visitors in the library’s history. PC use is up. Participation in the Summer Reading program and all other library activities is up significantly. Regular visitors have remarked upon this phenomenon as the upsurge in customers is quite noticeable. Fewer parking spaces, longer waits for PCs, more people everywhere and the resulting increase in clamor and hubbub have all been remarked upon by our regulars.
Stop in and see for yourself. We’ll save you some money too!
