More People are Using Their Public Libraries: The Story Continues

Link to January 4 Muskegon (MI) Chronicle article, "In a bad economy, residents are flocking to libraries". (via Lazyfeed and Wide Awake Minds)

Excerpt: With double-digit unemployment in many West Michigan communities, residents are looking for ways to save instead of spend. As a result, libraries are experiencing a surge in popularity. After all, it’s free to check out books, music and movies.

“We’re busy, and that’s good,” said Richard Schneider, assistant director of the Muskegon Area District Library. “Obviously, the economy is playing a part.”

In 2008, Schneider said 415,737 items were checked out of the countywide district’s libraries through November — that included books, CDs and DVDs. During the same period this year, the number jumped to 461,305.

And it’s not just circulation figures that are soaring, Schneider said.

The district’s 10 libraries are seeing record use of public computers. The district’s computer labs last year averaged 4,000 users every month. This year, that number jumped to more than 5,000 per month.