The Role of Libraries in Economic Hard Times

Yesterday, the Diane Rehm Show, on National Public Radio, had the topic of "The Role of Libraries in Economic Hard Times." This was a very good show on an important topic, but it was most important if you are not a librarian. The three librarians on the program, and Diane Rehm, had a message that public library users, not librarians, need to carry to their local governments. Public libraries are locally funded. Elected officials need to know that libraries matter to their citizens. What have you done to keep your public library alive?

Before I give a summary of the show, I'll mention this, in case you drop off the blog without reading more of it. The librarians all acknowledged that in a time of economic crisis, local governments have to balance safety - police, fire and other services, against other services they provide. Ginnie Cooper, Chief Librarian for the District of Columbia Public Library, said it best. "The emergency needs of today must be weighed against the long-term values to the community. Libraries offer both."

This is certainly not a transcript of the Diane Rehm show, because that would violate copyright. However, I'm going to mention highlights that I considered important for users of libraries.

The program summary that came via email said, "Libraries today have become multimedia centers, offering not only books but DVDs, e-books and Internet access. They can also be an especially important community resource during times of economic hardship. A look at the future of libraries in a slowing economy, with guests Carla Hayden, Executive Director, Enoch Pratt Free Library, and President of the American Library Association, Jim Rettig, President of the American Library Association, and the University Librarian at the Boatwright Memorial Library at the University of Richmond, Virginia, and, a truly outstanding spokesperson for libraries, Ginnie Cooper, Chief Librarian for the District of Columbia Public Library, and former Executive Director of the Brooklyn Public Library."

The program began by summarizing some of the services libraries are offering right now, during these economic problems - access to the Internet for job applications and resumes, workshops on resume writing, and foreclosures, basic computer instruction for people who may have never used a computer, even as basic as how to use a mouse. Families are discovering the value of their public libraries because it's cheaper to use the library to borrow books and DVDs than to buy them.

However, with the economic impacts on local economies, libraries' budgets have been damaged. It's a challenge to keep up with demands with shrinking budgets. Often, these budget cuts impact hours, which means people don't have as much access to computers, which is a direct line for people during these times. More people want to use libraries. Storytime programs are full. Library programs have increased attendance. There are more people using libraries, using data bases and computers. In times of economic trouble, people turn to libraries, just at the time when our ability to serve them is hit economically.

Again and again, the message was repeated. Library funding is seen as expendable by public fund distributors. Budget commissions need to hear from people who benefit from libraries. They don't care what librarians think. The users, who benefit, must speak up, asking boards to put money into making the community, "a whole community."

Many people might not understand where public libraries get their funding. The federal government provides less than 1/2 of 1% of the money nationwide for libraries. There are opportunities for growth, and the library community is lobbying the new Obama administration for stimulus money. LSTA, which is the federal money for libraries, only provides $200 million for the entire country. That money is used for Internet connections and special programs. Most money comes from local governments.

Libraries are closing throughout the country. Milwaukee is looking at losing 2 of the 12 branches there. In Clearwater, Florida, the libraries will close on Fridays and Saturdays. In Phoenix, the libraries will cut hours from 72 hours of service to 48 hours. Trenton, New Jersey is closing four branches, and losing half of the 57 employees. Jim Rettig said this is a matter of insufficient funding, but also insufficient local support for libraries. People need to speak up for their public libraries. There was a series of closures in Baltimore a few years ago. People don't realize that libraries are in danger, often, until it is too late.

Ginnie Cooper said, "In D.C., they learned if they give people the materials they want, the computer access they need, and the programs they care about, in clean, safe libraries, they will come back." If you provide people with a successful library experience, they will come back.

There was a great deal more to this program. But, two callers made important points. One caller from Ann Arbor, Michigan raved about her library system. She said her family uses books, CDs, travel books, and attends programs, such as ones on the Chinese New Year, and meets authors at the library when attending book signings. She said libraries are so much besides books. The library is a great source of information, and it is a great Green way to go.

The other caller was from Vermont, and quoted a slogan librarians value. "Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries."

If you value libraries, speak out to local officials. Make sure your public library stays alive.