Library thriving

Library thriving during economic downturn

By Vanessa Fultz, Democrat Reporter

The economic downturn may mean limited revenues for libraries but it doesn't mean limited visits to libraries.

Danny Hales, director for Suwannee River Regional Library, said the slow economy has increased traffic at all eight of his branch libraries.

Whether patrons need to apply for a job online, check out a DVD or use the wireless Internet, the library can help.

"More and more government agencies are encouraging paperless applications for their services, and they often encourage folks to come to the library for that," Hales said.

In addition, Hales said public assistance, such as food stamps, aid to dependents, veterans services, and other programs now encourage online applications and communications. The library provides access to these through its E-Government services.

Linda Sanderson, branch manager of the Suwannee River Regional Library in Live Oak, said 100-110 users flock to the library's 14 Internet computers daily and folks often have to get on a waiting list to gain access.

"They are used from the time we open to the time we close," Sanderson said.

The library received four more computers with Internet access on Monday to accommodate the increased usage.

The Live Oak library also features a wireless network. Branford's public library will be going wireless within a couple of weeks and eventually all area libraries will do the same.

Sanderson said library registration has increased 20 percent and the check out rate is up 10 percent from this time last year.

"Many people have told us they are buying fewer books and magazines and are using the resources of the library instead," Hales said. "DVDs are also still quite popular as people find it is an economical way to see a movie, a National Geographic special, biography or whatever."

Robin Lake, of Live Oak, depends on the library's wireless network to do homework and check email. She visits the library four times a week, the days she doesn't attend class at Lake City Community College.

"I'm just glad that they have Internet," Lake said. "It helps out so I don't have to travel to the school and use their Internet."

The library also attracts a number of after school students.

Shawn Brown, 13, was at the library Monday checking his MySpace page and "hanging out with friends."

"It is something to do to wait for wrestling practice," he said.

Amire Jones, 14, checks out movies and books and plays games on the computer.

"It's a place where I can get peace and quiet," he said.

Justus Lewis, 14, is tutored weekly by Sarah Luther, 17, at the library. He said he comes to the library about twice a week.

Rachal Poling, 11, sat in a rocking chair reading a book titled "Red Dog" by Bill Wallace.

Hales said the library has seen record numbers for all its programs and services.

"Historically libraries see spikes of use during tougher economic times," he said. "It only makes sense that people are looking for good cost effective ways to find information, to further their work skills, to entertain and educate their children or to find a job."

Hales said reduced government revenues coupled with the increased public use have strained resources. More library traffic means more books and computers are needed. And increased computer usage brings the need for more maintenance and repairs.

Hales said though the increase affects the ability to best serve the higher number of users, he welcomes the increased activity.

"It's great that people see the value and ability of the public library to serve them," he said. "We have always been here for that."

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