Crowds at the Local Public Library?

Amid all the economic gloom, a bright note is that people are reading a lot and visiting their local libraries even more. If you have not noticed this recent phenomenon, just check out any of the public libraries and see for yourself.
As director of the Quitman Public Library, I've noticed that we have been serving a record number of patrons. There have been days where the parking lot is completely filled, and there are times when patrons are waiting for us to open each morning.
Many come for the traditional reasons to read the papers, look at magazines, perform genealogical research, check out books, or enjoy a comfortable, quiet place to study or read. Others come to the library to use our public access computers or to access the Internet on their laptops using our wireless connection. The library’s computers are almost continually in use and the staff stays busy helping people with research, database searches, e-mail accounts and other informational needs. It is routine for many use the library’s computers to pay their bills online, correspond, check stock quotes, make online purchases, and a few people operate their small personal businesses using the library’s computers.
There is also a big increase in checking out movies, DVD's and audio books. Between unemployment and digital television, people are trying to find other outlets, and many are discovering what their public library has to offer. There has been a noticeable boost in reading over the past year. Reports show that circulation statistics have doubled, and nearly tripled on certain days. People are checking out their maximum of ten items at a time, then returning a week or two later for more.
People may not be aware of the variety of resources they can find at their local public library. In addition to popular printed fiction and non-fiction books and periodicals, the library offers an array of additional media including local and regional newspapers, audio books, movies on video tape and DVD, genealogy resources, directories, children’s books and media, and nearly 27,000 books in electronic format. If you’re bored, just check out what your local library has to offer!

-Delene DelaRosa, Director
Quitman Public Library

Libraries are Important!

Libraries are important in communities everywhere -- particularly small, rural communities. The importance of public libraries has become even more apparent during these difficult economic times.
On MSNBC.com, there is a short video that aired on December 10, 2008 showing the importance of libraries in our communities. Click here to view the segment. According to this NBC report, "the library business is booming" offering many free resources that serve as "a lifeline" for many people in rural communities.
Libraries are important!