"My firm used to audit some libraries, more than 10 years ago. I don't think I've been in one since I used to do those board meetings."
It shows..
Libraries Popular During Recession
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Libraries are seeing a huge jump in visitors because of the recession. Many are checking out books, movies and games to save money. But most of them are there to use the free Wi-Fi and computers to help them in their job searches.
At the Ferguson Library in Stamford, Conn., "it's not unusual for us to have 40 or 50 reserves on a popular book," says spokeswoman Linda Avellar. At the Randolph County Public Library in Asheboro, N.C., a 25% increase in visitors over the past six months from a year ago has been hard on 14-year-old carpeting that officials say needs to be replaced now rather than in six years, as planned.
This isn't the first time library attendance has spiked in a downturn. The 1987 and 2001 recessions saw similar jumps, librarians say. But few people thought that libraries would again be in such favor after so much information flooded the Web.
One big draw: Most libraries have put in free computer and Wi-Fi service. And they've begun stocking DVDs and videogames. With the recession weighing on them, "people recognize what a great value the public library is," says Jim Rettig, president of the American Library Association in Chicago.
Librarians are turning into job counselors -- and even social workers -- as they have to deal with a sometimes-desperate new class of patrons. "They are frustrated, overwhelmed and thought they would not be job hunting again in their lives," says Jan Perrier, head of reference and adult services at the Roxbury Public Library in Succasunna, N.J. "I had one woman just so overwhelmed she sat in front of the PC and cried."
The librarians are being terribly overworked because of the budget cuts. Libraries and librarians are a precious resource: we hope that patrons who can afford to donate to their local library do so. |
