When Times Are Tough . . .

I love libraries, everything from the smell of books, to the warmth of staff, the comfy carpets, to the great DVD collections that are all free to borrow with just a library card and nothing more. But we are in tough times lately, and the downfall of the economy has proven just how useful libraries are to society. As the Los Angeles Times has reported, that although retail stores may be quiet these days, but libraries are hopping as people look for ways to save money. The Los Angeles Public Library is “experiencing record use,” said spokesman Peter Persic, with 12% more visitors during fiscal 2008 than the previous year. At the San Francisco Public Library, about 12% more items were checked out in October than a year earlier. The Chicago Public Library system experienced a 35% increase in circulation. The New York Public Library saw 11% more print items checked out (a spokesman said that could be partly explained by extended hours) . . .

And I`ve begun to experience this myself. Patrons are starting to use collections more, and realizing the financial pinch that the economy has given us. Fear not. The library isn`t going anywhere anytime soon.