Economy, new facility leads to increase library usage
February 12th, 2009Gaylord’s Public Library is following a nationwide trend for increased library usage during tough economic times.
Director Wanda Messner reports that there was a 30% increase in yearly circulation of all materials from 2007 to 2008. Despite the fact that the library was closed two weeks prior to moving into its new facility, circulation grew from 40,486 items to 52,619.
Messner attributes the increase to a combination of Gaylord’s new facility and the economy.
Yearly computer usage increased 44%, from 6,158 to 8,898. The Gaylord library has 10 computers, an increase from 9 in 2007. These statistics do not include those in the ESL classroom. There was also a 40% increase in the number of new library cards issued. 417 were issued in 2007. That amount grew to 585 in 2008.
Gaylord’s Public Library offers books, magazines, books on CD and cassette, movies on DVD and VHS, free Internet access and wireless access, a low vision reader, CD-Roms, music CDs, microfilm reader, GED classes, English as a Second Language classes, and a variety of classes for adults and children.
In 2008, there were 68 adult programs and 95 children’s programs. 1,141 adults and 1,883 children attended the activities. There were 123 activities in the community room.
Children’s activities include story time, book club, knitting club, after-school movies, 4-H sponsored activities. Adult events include Senior Wednesday mornings, watercolor class, and a book club.
High usage has continued in 2009. Messner said that 44 new library cards were issued in January. 4,397 items were circulated.
Messner thanked the volunteers for their hard work at the library. Two volunteers, Melva Messner and Eldrene Ebert, cover, tape and process new materials. Dave Gustafson and Sharon Hahn help put away the materials. The Friends of the Library group helps plan activities and programs at the library.
How can the library be used to stretch your dollars?
• Borrow books from the library rather than buy them. A couple of new bestsellers could easily cost more than $50. Borrow them for free from the public library.
• Get the information you need to succeed. This could include writing a business plan, studying for the ACT test, becoming a citizen, updating your resume, fixing your kind or finding grant money, you can get it all for free at the library.
• Borrow DVDs from the library instead of going to the movie theatre.
• The library provides free high-speed Internet access.
• Get your preschooler ready for Kindergarten, with picture books and story time.
• Attend free or inexpensive programs for all ages.
