“In Recession, Libraries Are Booming Megan McFarlane, American Library Association”
Sandra Hughes, CBS News
08/25/09
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/02/eveningnews/main4770599.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_4770599
This article discusses the Los Angeles library as well as others throughout the United States and how they are booming with people. In Los Angeles, long lines are forming outside the public library during these tough economic times. People are coming to the library more to check out books and use the computers. Many of these people are unemployed and are coming to the library for help. Librarians have now become job counselors and they are doing everything they can to help each person who walks through the doors. People are coming to use the computers to search for jobs, update resumes and for many it’s just a quiet place to work. Nationwide more people applied for library cards last year than anytime since they started keeping records in 1990. This is the time when people need libraries the most and unfortunately in other cities libraries are being cut back or closed. All of this is happening as more people are finally realizing the value of the public library. Everything at the library is free unless you don’t return an item in on time and then a fine must be paid.
I hate to see so many libraries being closed down because like stated in the article we all need libraries now more than ever. A lot of people cannot find jobs or just simply do not have the money to pay for the internet and that is where the library can play a huge role in someone’s life. I think it’s an awesome idea that these librarians at the Los Angeles library are working as job counselors. This can be a huge help for people coming to the library and it will help bring them back if they know the librarians care and are there to help them. It is also amazing that so many people are getting library cards. I just wish it had happened sooner and they hadn’t waited until now when the economy is not good and many libraries are closing. Hopefully people will start realizing what all resources are out there that are basically free and start using them.
I think it's pretty neat that these libraries are acting as job counselors. Like you said, this will let people know that librarians care about them, and because of this they will more than likely continue coming back. This goes to show that libraries are still needed, even if it's not all about the books.
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