Libraries Change Lives Locally And Nationally

“Libraries of all kinds continue to be engines of learning, literacy, and economic development in communities nationwide.”

This, according to the 2008 State of America’s Libraries report, released by the American Library Association (ALA) as part of National Library Week, (April 13-19). Americans check out more than 2 billion items each year from their public libraries, with the average user taking out more than seven books a year, according to the report.

At Douglas County Libraries, the average user checks out 25 items a year.

The full text of the 2008 State of America's Libraries is available at the ALA website.

At Douglas County Libraries and across the country, patrons also go to their libraries to borrow DVDs, learn new computer skills, conduct job searches, and participate in the activities of local community organizations. The average bill to the taxpayer for this range of public services: $31 a year, about the cost of one hardcover book. For library patrons in Douglas County, every dollar invested in the libraries brings over $5 in materials and services. The BizInfo reference service at Douglas County Libraries has helped more than 37 local business owners since it started four months ago. In fact, new studies provide solid evidence that the nation’s public libraries are engines of economic growth contributing to local development through programming in early literacy, employment services, and small-business development.

The ALA study found that nationally, teenagers are also regular users of public library services. Almost all the nation’s public libraries now offer programs tailored to the needs and interests of young adults and more than half employ at least one full-time staff equivalent in this area, a sharp increase in the past decade. Douglas County Libraries regularly offers book clubs, contests, volunteer opportunities, and activities for local teens. Computer and on-line games have also become part of the mix at many public libraries, and some use gaming to attract new patrons.

“Libraries’ response to gaming is just another indication that the profession is alert to the needs and desires of its patrons and is aware of the ways in which this interest interconnects with more traditional services, now and in the future” said ALA President Loriene Roy.

Other findings in the 2008 State of America's Libraries report:

• Ebooks continued to emerge as a regular feature of libraries of all types.
• Libraries and librarians of all stripes continue to stand up for the First Amendment rights of all Americans, responding in public discourse and in court to unconstitutional snooping and aspiring book-banners.
• The right to read — freely and in private — remains a core value of the profession.