…

                                                                                                             print story
                                                                                                                   back

Libraries bustle as economy founders
Free entertainment and books help fill gaps in household budgets

By KENNETH C. CROWE II, Staff writer
Click byline for more stories by writer.
First published: Thursday, March 27, 2008
ALBANY -- Capital Region libraries are seeing increased demands for services as the economy slows and more people
search for ways to cut expenses.


Circulation has jumped 5 percent to 15 percent at libraries compared with a year ago, according to statistics.


"In terms of reading needs or entertainment, they're cutting back," Paul Hicock, director of the Troy Public Library, said
Wednesday. That library has seen a 5 percent increase in circulation.


The solution to closing the household economic gap is easy when people can't afford to buy books, DVDs or CDs, Hicock
said. "They're looking at the library."


Guilderland Public Library Director Barbara N ichols Randall said her staff turns off the free WiFi connections for
computers 15 minutes before closing time to make sure patrons with laptops leave on time. And regular patrons have
complained they're waiting longer to use the library computers.


"We're seeing more people. You can actually feel things are busier," said Randall, whose circulation numbers are up 5
percent from a year ago.


The East Greenbush Community Library has seen a nearly 15 percent increase in circulation over last year.


"Since we are at the beginning of the downturn, we are seeing people involved in cheaper entertainment, primarily," said
Deborah A. Graves Shoup, the library's director.


Patrons also are seeking information about putting together resumes and appealing property asses sments, Shoup said.


Michael Borges, executive director of the New York Library Association, said past studies have found library use jumps in
economic slumps.


"When the public's buying power shrinks and household expenses grow, people tend to rely more o n their public libraries
for free reading materials and services, like literacy programs and computer training," Borges explained.


A 2002 study commissioned by the American Library Association found circulation increased at the nation's 25 largest
libraries during recessions.


The association is counting on the surge in library use to help it persuade the state to restore $5 million in state library aid
to the budget so local libraries can meet increased demands.


"The ALA studies confirm the stories we've heard in the past and are once again hearing from our members," Borges said.


Kenneth C. Crowe II can be reached at 581-8438 or by e-mail at kcrowe@timesunion.com.