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When America’s public libraries are closing or experiencing a cutback in hours or staff, whether in Camden, N.J.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Seattle, Wash.; or Clark County, Ohio; Roberta Stevens is concerned.
“When you have a tough economic situation, you don’t want to lose public libraries,” said Stevens, who is president of the American Library Association (ALA).
Stevens says people are flooding to public libraries to use computers, access the Internet, and utilize expensive database and information resources that they can’t afford to have at home. These resources are helping people to look for jobs, fill out online job applications, and start up small businesses.
Public libraries are largely funded by local governments, which face increasing budgetary challenges as a result of the economic downturn. Commenting on the trend of closing or cutting back public libraries, Stevens said in a phone interview with The Epoch Times that she believes public libraries are needed more than ever to keep opportunities open.
“There are so many roles that a public library plays in the 21st century,” Stevens said. A public library is no longer just a place to get a book to read for leisure, but a powerful engine to propel Americans to carry out business as usual when the economy struggles.
“Twenty-five million Americans reported using their public library more than 20 times in the last year; more people are relying on public libraries for technology use, particularly to find employment and connect to online government services,” Stevens said.
Citing research findings from a study conducted in 2010 by ALA and the Center for Library and Information Innovation (CLII) at the University of Maryland, Stevens said two-thirds of libraries provide the only free access to computers and the Internet in their communities.
According to the study, when the economic recession was at its peak, more than three-quarters of America’s public libraries saw a surge in per capita visitation and usage of library services. Providing free use of computers, Internet services, and information resources to those who can’t afford to have them at home, public libraries leave no one out of touch with today’s digitalized society.
When asked about library services, Stevens provided some key statistics from the study: 67 percent of public libraries help patrons complete online job applications; 88 percent provide access to job databases and other online resources; 75 percent provide civil service exam materials; 42 percent of urban libraries offer classes related to job seeking; and about 27 percent collaborate with outside agencies or individuals to help patrons complete online job applications.
With a total number of 16,671 public library buildings across the country, Stevens believes public libraries are “foundational institutions for the community” that are giving returns on our investment. “Investing in public libraries is investing in America’s future,” she said.
Macey Morales from the Public Information Office at ALA told The Epoch Times that it is very difficult to track data on public library closures. “Even the announcements of potential closures in Charlotte, Philadelphia, Reno, and Boston sometimes change from week to week as many library advocates stand up for keeping their branches open—often ultimately leading to reduced hours rather than complete closures.”
Morales said that since fall 2010, the news has gotten worse. “At that time, 13 state library agencies reported they were aware of library closures in their states due to budget issues. Twelve states reported it was fewer than five, with Indiana reporting between five to ten closures of branches.”
“Lost hours is more common and likely will continue to be more common,” Morales said. Based on a survey from last year, nearly 15 percent of libraries nationwide and 24 percent of urban libraries are reporting decreased operating hours. “At the same time, of course, libraries have expanded resources for job seekers and [have] seen increased use of their technology resources.”
Stevens gave advice on what people can do to help save their local library. She said working with the local library’s board or trustees and state library association could be very effective: “Every state has a library association, and they are the experts at getting you to the right people and working with you to develop the messaging and reaching out to people.”
Citing Chicago, Ill., and St. Paul, Minn., as two cities where local efforts had been very successful, Stevens said “we need to spread their models” to keep public libraries—the heart and mind of our communities—up and running.
