One of the required classes in my Library School curriculum was, (entitled then, in the dark ages of the middle 1970’s) The History and Development of the Public Library. One of the many topics discussed revolved around various statistics connected with public libraries over the years, between 1833, when the first public library supported by taxes was established in New Hampshire, and 1976. We found that public library usage was greatest during the years of the Great Depression.
This was no surprise to us Baby Boomers, as we realized that the availability of books, magazines and, most importantly, the assistance of librarians, was a lifeline for scores of adults and children. Here, free of charge, one could search for ways to repair items when there was no money to replace them, to stretch limited food resources through magazine tips and advice, to pass the time in a warm, inviting place, when there was no money for a movie costing a dime.
But that was, after all, the Great Depression. It seems to be a commonsense conclusion that during that hard time, libraries would be called upon to meet the demands of an economically depressed population. Surely, now, in this year of 2023, those needs are no longer critical. Libraries must be less important in this day of mobile phones, emails, Internet, streaming, cable, etc. Perhaps not.
The American Library Association’s 2020 publication, The State of America’s Public Libraries, states that, according to Gallup:
"…visiting the library is the most common cultural activity Americans engage in by far. In 2019, US adults reported taking an average of 10.5 trips to the library, a frequency that exceeded their participation in eight other common leisure activities. Americans attended live music or theatrical events and visited national or historic parks roughly four times a year on average and visited museums and gambling casinos 2.5 times annually. Public libraries are attracting a cross-section of visitors, including adults in low-income households and young people. For example, US adults aged 18–29 visit the library much more than older age groups.”
According to Gallup, as further stated in that publication:
“Despite the proliferation of digital-based activities over the past two decades—including digital books, podcasts, streaming entertainment services, and advanced gaming— libraries have endured as a place Americans visit nearly monthly on average. Whether because they offer services like free Wi-Fi, movie rentals, or activities for children, libraries are most utilized by young adults, women, and residents of low-income households.”
So, during this month of National Library Week ( April 23-29), with it’s theme, There’s More to the Story, loyal library users of all demographics, might spare a brief “thanks” to the far-sighted people of Peterborough, New Hampshire, who, in 1833, decided that a public library was a worthy use of their tax dollars-thus paving the way for the current 17,545 public libraries serving the citizens of the U.S. Thanks to the more than 125,00 trained librarians who answer the questions of 175 million library users. Thanks to library support staff who checked out your 1.83 billion books (and put them back on the shelves!). Thanks to all of the civic leaders who continued to listen to you-the citizens-and allocated (in 2017) 11.5 billion dollars for library services.
And finally, give yourselves a pat on the back- you, the taxpayers who continue to demand the financial support needed; and You, the book lovers across all genres, computer-users, podcast and audiobook users, and film aficionados; You, newspaper perusers, the tween and teen WiFi users (and social gatherers!) You, the elementary student readers and You, the program attending, picture book loving toddlers.
All of you, You keep our Greendale library humming. You also make sure that the We who do our best to serve all of you, continue to take into consideration that “There’s more to the story”.
Katherine Dombrowski,
President of the Greendale Public Library Board
