If the Caledonia Library were in the business of turning a profit, their number of clients would be increasing, sales would be setting quarterly records and stock doubling in value, an unusual trend in the current business sector. Of course, the tax payer funded, public service the library provides at no additional cost to the patron is not meant to fill the city coffers, but the point remains. The library is busy, and it keeps getting busier.
The economic slump haunting our nation is being held responsible for increased attendance at public libraries as people brainstorm ways to trim the fat off their household budget. The New York Times reported book, cd, and dvd sales were down in 2008 from 2007 and the number of movie, concert, and theater attendees also dropped. National booksellers Barnes and Noble and Borders saw 7 and 9 percent sales decreases respectively. Decreases in sales, combined with double digit increases of library patronage seem to tell an obvious story; more people are discovering and taking advantage of the free services offered at public libraries.
Studies indicate that similar trends are not unknown. During the Great Depression libraries saw a significant jump in patronage and again during the recession in 2001 when circulation rose 9 percent nationwide according to the American Library Association.
Locally, Librarian Marla Burns has observed the changes firsthand over the past months. “It has increased tremendously,” she spoke of library usage comparing 2007 to 2008. “I can’t imagine what 2009 will be.”
“People and their own personal budgets” is how she attributes the surge in patrons. She said that last week a patron announced she had disconnected her internet and cable TV to save money. She’s not the only one, however, as Burns noted that cutting back on internet, TV, periodicals, and book buying has been a common chorus from patrons.
By the numbers
In 2007 registered borrowers numbered 1,800. A 16% increase in 2008 has brought that total to 2,131, quite an impressive number for a small town suggested Burns. A 40% increase in library visits increased the 2007 count of 1,852 visits to 3,120 visits in 2008. Internet usage increased 18% over the same time period and total circulation has increased from 26,998 to 28,615 items, a 6% gain.
What brings all of these new patrons to the library? Self-help, finance, job seeking, and do-it-yourself books are all popular according to Burns. “People are also using the library for updating resumes and job hunting,” she stated.
Burns describes the biggest increase in patronage is coming from the male gender. “A lot of men are coming in for computer usage,” she stated. “We even get truck drivers borrowing audio books.
“Some days we have people waiting to use the internet and every day somebody brings their own laptop and uses the wireless,” she continued.
Even some people with a dial up internet connection have been known to come to the library to use the high speed service provided, allowing them to get their work done in faster time than it would have taken them back home.
“When I came we had card catalog, we were open 11 hours a week, and we had no computers,” remembered Burns. Now, the library is open 27 hours a week, hosts 9 computers for public use, and the card catalog, well, that’s one for the history books.
This September Burns will mark her 25th anniversary as librarian. Eileen Jacobson has been on staff for 11 years. Together they keep the shelves filled, the computers running, and the continuous flow of books organized.
Beyond books
If you think the library only offers outdated books on irrelevant subject matter, you haven’t been to the library lately. For a couple of decades the library has been a member of the Southeastern Library Cooperative (SELCO). Through this service, patrons have access to over 2.1 million items owned by the 84 libraries within the SELCO system.
Whether looking for the complete 1998 season of the Red Green Show, an audio tape of Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath”, a picture book of quilt designs, expert advice on how to build a shed, or local favorite “Jailhouse Stories” by Neil Haugerud, if the Caledonia Library doesn’t have it, chances are La Crescent, Plainview, Albert Lea, or one of the other libraries will. If the item you are looking for isn’t among the 2.1 million, a service called MNLink distributes materials statewide from other library systems and is likely to have it.
Money savings from borrowing books rather than purchasing them is only the beginning. Services offered through SELCO online can help guide a person through legal forms, answer health questions, and provide access to repair, maintenance and service information for up to 350 vehicles, potentially saving a person on lawyer, doctor, and mechanic fees. The library also contains 60 subscriptions to magazines and newspapers.
Free classes and guidance for people interested in learning how to use computers is offered. “This help is as simple as learning how to use the keyboard, setting up an e-mail account and most recently assisting in on-line job applications and setting up unemployment accounts,” described Burns.
The steps to becoming a library card holder and taking advantage of these services are simple. Stop in the library and ask for one. Some basic paperwork and a couple minutes of time is all it takes. Library cards can be used at any Minnesota library and books need not be returned to the same library they were borrowed from.
Asset to the community
Many libraries nationwide are contending with budget cuts at a time when their services are in most demand. While the Caledonia Library will see $2,000 cut from their budget, things could be worse. “Our city council is very generous,” complimented Burns. “We have a lot of people saying ‘please don’t take away from the library,’” but she continued, “we have to do our share, though.”
Karen Gran was interrupted by this reporter as she sifted through her e-mail inbox. By her estimate she stops by the library two times a week to borrow books, movies and increasingly, to use the internet.
In describing the value of the library she explained, “I think it’s a big asset, especially to residents who don’t have internet. I’d recommend it for almost any age.
“Oh, and they have wonderful employees,” Gran joked loud enough so Burns and Jacobson could hear, seizing the moment to show her appreciation for their dedication and helpful and friendly attitude. Judging by the friendly and personal greetings patrons receive as they walk through the door from Burns and Jacobson and increasing library patronage, it’s a comment most would probably agree with.
“How was your day at school?” Jacobson asked Sydnee Halverson as she entered, backpack in tow. Halverson, a 5th grader from Spring Grove and frequent visitor, came to the library to work on a science paper.
“In a small library you get to know people. They’re your friends,” smiled Burns as the interview concluded.
If that’s the case, Burns and Jacobson have 2,131 friends and counting.
National Library week is April 12-18. As a promotional tool the library is sponsoring an “I’d rather be reading” photo contest. The contest, open to anybody, is for silly, goofy, happy or sad photos that suggest “I’d rather be reading” than what I’m doing in this photo. Photos can be submitted in person or mailed to the library the week of April 12-18. Prizes will be awarded.
