Library use on the rise during tough economic times

Statistics released by the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries indicate that, as public buying power shrinks during these difficult economic times, more and more people are turning to public libraries for the services, assistance and information they need.

Mario Apolloni, chair of the board of directors of the federation, noted that the role of public libraries in today's context has become "more relevant than ever.

"There is significant evidence to demonstrate that libraries experience an increase in use of up to 20 per cent during an economic downturn," he said. "People know that no matter what is happening in the economy, they can the services they need from the public library."

As a result of job losses, Apolloni said, many people are hunting for jobs and rely heavily on their public libraries for vital information about job opportunities, career planning and training, small business management and on services such as literacy programs and computer skills development.

"Many patrons are turning to the public library computers to prepare résumés and cover letters, find work, apply for jobs and open e-mail accounts," he stated. "Others enroll in literacy programs to build reading, writing and numeracy skills. Computer usage is the area where increase demand is most dramatic. Public libraries provide access to a full range of licensed electronic resources."

Additionally, Apolloni said, people are also turning to libraries for entertainment.

"Cash-strapped families and individuals can access the library's extensive collection of books, databases, DVDs, magazines and newspapers and it doesn't cost a single penny," he remarked. "People don't have all kinds of money to buy books and magazines and rent movies. They know they can do all of this for free at the library."

Statistics obtained from public libraries in the township of Alfred-Plantagenet indicate that in 2009, visits to libraries in Alfred, Curran, Lefaivre, Plantagenet and Wendover totalled 22,232, which is up from 20,579 in 2008. A total of 255 people took out new membership's at all five libraries.

A total of 36,251 books were checked out in 2009, in addition to 10,382 audio-visual materials, and 3,802 periodicals.

Inter-library loans totalled 50,072 in 2009, compared to 48,490 in 2008.

Some 4,769 people took advantage of the Internet service offered at these libraries last year.

Lynn Belle-Isle, a library technician at the Hawkesbury Public Library, said there has been a definite increase in visits over the past year, some of which can be attributed to the faltering economy.

"I can definitely say visits to the library have increased and yes, some of it has to do with the economy," she commented. "We've noticed that more people come to the library and sit to read our newspapers, magazines or books. The services we offer here are free and that is something that appeals to everyone in the community."

According to statistics provided by Belle-Isle, in 2008, the number of people who visited the library was 42,178. In 2009, that number jumped to 43,407, which represents an increase of 1,229.

In 2009, 8,849 people used the Internet compared to 7,928 in 2008. The number of visitors also started to increase in the last months of 2009, Belle-Isle said.

"In January 2010 we had 624 more people visiting our library than January 2009 and in February 2010, 551 more than February 2009," she remarked. "We are aware that the economic situation must be difficult for some families so we've decided to offer free activities and programs every day for the March Break."

Lynda Poyser, CEO and head librarian at the Champlain Library, noted an increase in usage as well.

She said circulation was 26,257 in 2008 and in 2009, that number increase by two per cent to 26,744. She said Internet usage increased by 17 per cent in 2009, from 2,578 in 2008 to 3,011.

"There are so many wonderful free services people can take advantage of at the library," she commented. "I think people are starting to realize that and are really taking advantage of everything we have to offer."

She said patrons can now borrow DVDs and videos for seven days at no charge and can use one of seven Internet-connected public computers.

"We also have two laptops which may be used within the library for research projects," she explained.