Library use increases as people's purse strings tighten

The economic downturn has people cutting corners and watching their wallets. With that, people also are rediscovering a form of free entertainment that has been there all along " the library.

Sara Jones, library director, said that despite reduced hours, the city's public library has seen an increase in the number of patrons.

In June, the library went from 57 hours a week to 50 hours a week.

"Considering you're taking an almost 10 percent reduction in hours and still seeing a 10 percent increase in books being checked out, I'd say our numbers are up," she said.

"I think it's the economy. We're seeing (an increase) in checkouts in the best sellers and audio visual department," said Jones. "I feel quite comfortable that it's things that people don't want to buy anymore. Recreational reading would be a good percentage of that. Things that they would have, in better times, just ordered (online) they come here instead."

Andi Moore, community relations coordinator, said the type of patron coming in has also changed.

"Definitely what we are seeing is a lot of professional people coming in to update their resumes," she said. "A lot of people are trying to reconnect with a new career. They are looking to see perhaps what kind of training and education are required and what the outlook is for that particular position."

In September 2007, 250,000 items were checked out. In September 2008 patrons checked out 268,000 items.

From October to November of 2008, 1,322 more items were checked out and 272 more patrons visited.

"People are just looking for stuff that's a little bit more economical," said Jones.

- Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.