Wisconsin's Public Libraries See Steady Growth in Use, 2000-2009

From 46,736,280 in 2000 to 65,608,341 in 2009, an increase of 41%

From 28,045,588 in 2000 to 35,781,930 in 2009, an increase of 28%.

From 4,182,748 in 2000 to 17,890,290 in 2009, an increase of  328%.

From 2,492 in 2000 to 4,888 in 2009, an increase of 96%.

From 48,963 in 2000 to 74,778 in 2009, an increase of  53%.

From 1,317,964 in 2000 to 1,858,889 in 2009, an increase of  41%.

At the same time, average per capita support steadily increased during each of the past 10 years.

From $26,82 in 2000 to $35.87 in 2009, an increase of  34%.

But, as of 2009, not enough to maintain staffing levels and hours of operation.

From 3,141.53 FTE in 2000 to 3,253.73 FTE in 2009, an increase of 3% -- with a 1% drop from 2008 to 2009.

From 1,003,479 hours in 2000 to 1,052,829 in 2009, an increase of 5%, with a 0.4% decrease from 2008 to 2009.

Source:  Wisconsin Public Library Service Record.