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Library News
Good News in a Bad Time
A recent survey of 90 public libraries in Connecticut indicates that most libraries are seeing substantial increases in library use. At the same time, many of these same libraries are either experiencing budget cuts now or are expecting them for next year. History indicates that library use always increases during bad economic times. This appears to be the case in the current crisis as well; and is evident at The Salem Free Public Library. Here are our statistics:
- 205% increase in computer use Sept. 2008-Feb 2009 (6 months) compared to Sept. 2007-Feb. 2008 (6 months) Actual numbers: 1356 vs. 444
- 146% increase in the use of free and discounted museum passes available from the library July 2008-Feb 2009 (8months) compared to July 2007-Feb. 2008 (8 months). We currently have passes from 10 museums/parks. Actual number of check-outs: 175 vs. 71
- Mystic Seaport, Wadsworth Athenaeum, State Parks,
- Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Florence Griswold Museum,
- Children’s Museum of Niantic, Mystic Aquarium, Roger Williams Zoo,
- Mark Twain House, Basketball Hall of Fame
- 126% increase in the number of Children’s Books checked out in Feb. 2009 (1 month) compared to Feb. 2007 (1 month). Actual numbers: 1366 vs. 605
- 31% increase in the number of Children’s Books checked out in Feb. 2009 (1 month) compared to Feb. 2008 (1 month). Actual numbers: 1366 vs. 1041
- 122% increase in the number of items we get from other libraries for our patrons (interlibrary loans) July 2008-Feb 2009 (8 months) compared to July 2007-Feb 2008 (8 months) Actual numbers: 1609 vs. 726
- 29% increase in new patron registrations since July 2008. Actual number of new patrons is 720. Our total patron base is 3,232. (This number includes Salem and Bozrah patrons, as well as patrons from other towns who wish to check out items from the Salem Library.) Connecticut library cards can be used in all of the Connecticut public libraries, although patrons need to register at each library they use.
- 2,239 Total Salem patrons. Of these 180 or 8% of our Salem patrons joined between July 2008-Feb 2009 (8 months).
- 415 Total Bozrah patrons registered between July 2008-Feb 2009 (8 months).
- 125 Total patrons from other towns registered between July 2008-Feb 2009 (8 months).
- 18% increase in the number of Adult books checked out in Feb 2009 (1 month) compared to Feb 2008 (1 month). Actual numbers: 879 vs. 762
- 8% Total Circulation increase July 2008-Feb 2009 (8 months) compared to July 2007-Feb 2008 (8 months). Actual numbers: 43,527 vs. 40,324.
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