In times like these, everyone’s cutting back, right? Not libraries. I caught a local radio show in CT that had on the director of a local library. She was going on about all the programs they offer and how they’re open Sundays, (their busiest day). They were doing things like movie and martini nights in warm weather, book readings, concerts and job assistance seminars. This is in addition to the regular things they did like loan CDs and DVDs, which, have seen a major increase in use. Damn.This is a library we’re talking about, right?
Only thing missing are massage nights. While she went on to say they are feeling the pinch, it’s not from a lack of interest in the programs and definitely not a lack of customers. (Just what the hell do you call people who go to the library anyway, readers, patrons, etc.?) The pinch comes from projected budget cuts in local municipalities. While they get a lot of donations in terms of DVDs, CDs and books, they count on the regular budget for the usual suspects like new books, staff, internet service, etc.
I thought okay, maybe this was just an isolated case, so I searched for other examples and found more than a few. Then I thought, well, makes sense, when’s the last time you heard of a library being closed? Firehouses? Sure. Post Office has to raise rates? Sure. Libraries in trouble?
(*Crickets*)
While I’m sure there are exceptions, even in my neck of the woods none of the local libraries seem to be having troubles. Last time I was in one was maybe a year ago; I don’t really have much need to go. I just have not seen a drop-off in book use like you hear with other forms of entertainment. Print may be dying elsewhere, but not there. (Even then, the Kindle could come in and save the day. That’s another idea for another day though.)
Best thing about libraries? You don’t have someone giving away the plot of a book to their date sitting behind you.
Maybe libraries are doing well because reading is universal and touches all age groups? It’s typically split among children, adults, older adults and a new audience taking advantage of free DVDs and job search services. Free is a pretty good hook to grab people with too. (Yes, some people actually have to use the library’s free internet or don’t want to pay rental fees for Netflix, don’t judge.)
Just seems funny that in age of all things internet that the most basic of media, books, still does as well. Especially how they’re distributed. Yes, there are book services that send you titles, or readers like the Kindle. But more drastic changes have taken place in how we get other entertainment, (music streaming evolved from CD purchases, watching movies online evolving from actually going to a theatre, etc.). Is it only a matter of time before libraries undergo similar change? Dunno.
Not unless they get rid of movie and martini nights.
2 comments:
Although there is certainly something timeless about a paper book, visceral in hand that transcends the audiobook or the ebook, what makes public libraries such a powerful force in times of economic despair is that public libraries provide the same level of service to the banker as they do the homeless man.
Public libraries see the true economic condition before it makes the news. And let me tell you that the things that I've seen lately as a librarian don't bode well at all for any of us...
Anyway, when the economy tanks public libraries BOOM! People are out of work, they can't afford Internet access (some can't even afford heat) and public libraries are their last hope for effectively seeking employment (and warmth). The sad fact of the matter is that libraries are NOT immune to budget cuts even in a time when applying to be a bagger in a grocery store requires Internet access.
If a community wants to see a recession turn into a depression then a good place to start would be severely cutting the public library's budget. We're the safety net that's holding all of the fragile pieces together by providing universal access to the Internet, as well as programs that bring the community together regarding topics from resume writing to financial planning to puppet shows for children.
The public library isn't going anywhere... If it does civilization as we know it, indeed as we made it, will fail. If you have any doubts about this just read Isaac Asimov's Foundation Series... It would make an arduous road totally impossible to navigate.
Was going to comment, but librarianwoes beat me to the punch. The question continues to be, WHY are people going to the library? And librarianwoes hit on the economic issues pretty well. It’s all about access. And financial means. On a tangential point, go to your nearest BDA and visit the agency resource center. Talk about cricket chirping. These libraries are rarely occupied. Why? Because the agency workers have access to the Web and other resources.
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