Franklin library ‘set to break record’

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6:52 PM Thursday, October 29, 2009

There is an old adage that every librarian knows by heart: When the economy is bad, the business of the public library increases.

This has never been truer than the last year and a half at the Franklin-Springboro Public Library. As the statistics for 2008 were compiled, it was discovered that, despite the misconception that home Internet service can satisfy the entire nation’s information needs, more books were checked out, more people visited the library, more children attended programs and more computer time was used — than any other year in the library’s 85-year history.

At the completion of 2009, even with fewer open hours, fewer children’s programs and almost 30 percent less income, the Franklin-Springboro Public Library is set to break the record it set just one year before.

But the statistics of how many things are checked out and how many people enter the building don’t really tell the whole story of what the public library has meant to the citizens of this area during a time when unemployment is on the rise and money is tighter than any time anyone can remember.

The primary use of our libraries has stayed the same — (it’s) the place for books, computers and movies. But both the Franklin and Springboro libraries have also become the place people depend on to help them negotiate critical parts of this economic downturn. Whether to use the Internet to apply for a social service, to create a resume for a job search or to do research for classes, many area residents have turned to us for much-needed help, (and) much-needed access that they don’t have the personal finances to have in their homes.

The Franklin-Springboro Public Library has adapted to the changing needs of its users, and will continue to do so as long as funding remains constant, including being a place where people get their first e-mail address or fax information to register for unemployment.

It is hard to guess where the residents of Ohio in need of information and technology will turn in the event their public libraries lose so much of their funding that the buildings will have to be closed more days of the week than they are open.

A vote for Issue 24, the Franklin library levy, will cost families in a $100,000 home just 8 cents a day to maintain a high level of library service for themselves and for their neighbors, and this service will remain seamless, regardless of what happens with our state funding. A public library — with full-service hours, qualified staff, a current collection and updated technology — will remain relevant for many years to come. ...

Anita G. Carroll

Library director

Franklin-Springboro

Public Library

Franklin

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Netflix,blockbuster,half price books, etc. All these business need customers to stay in business. When taxes support their competitors they suffer. I can remember a time when libraries were supported by the people who used them. Also individual patrons added support. Over due fees were two cents a day. That was when a penny was worth a penny. I stood on a corner in all kinds of weather and sold papers for three cents each. Maybe they should charge a proportional amount. Say fifteen cents a day.

itisme
7:37 AM, 10/30/2009

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