Today is the American Library Association's Library Advocacy. The recession has sped up the trend of cutting library budgets across this country. Every type of library from public to school to university to specialized libraries have been effected. If one library's budget is cut or closed we all lose.
Fact: Nearly 73% of libraries are their communities' only source of free computer and Internet access- which rises to 82% in rural areas.
Fact: Libraries are part of the American Dream. They offer free access to all. They bring opportunity to all.
Fact: In times of economic hardship, Americans turn to – and depend on – their libraries and librarians. As more and more Americans look for employment, libraries are helping level the playing field for job seekers. Only 44 percent of the top 100 U.S. retailers accepted in-store paper applications in 2006- down from 68 percent in 2004. Library staff report that many patrons are turning to library computers and Internet access to find work, apply for jobs online, type resumes and cover letters and open email accounts.
Fact: Americans visit libraries more than 1.3 billion times and check out more than 2.1 billion items each year. Users turn to their libraries for free books, to borrow DVDs, to learn new computer skills, to conduct job searches and more.
Fact: Americans check out on average more than seven books a year. They spend about $31 for the public library – about the cost of one hardcover book.
Fact: Libraries are among the most effective of all public services, serving more than 2/3 of the public with less than 2 percent of all tax dollars.
*The above information from ALA Talking Points.
This is merely a taste of what libraries can do for you, your family, you community, and society. For more information on libraries and their greater impact, please visit ALA's Advocacy University.
Also, take a small moment out of your day to tell your elected officials to support the libraries in your area.
Thank you.
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