"Libraries Get You Through Times of No Money Better than Money Gets You Through Times of No Libraries"

The Westchester section of this past Sunday's New York Times featured a long front-page article on the role of libraries in an economic downturn. Nearly all of what the article says applies to the Pleasant Valley Free Library as well. Here is some of the story:

"Movie lovers are using the library as their local Blockbuster, library officials say. Some people are showing up at libraries for the first time for free entertainment — movies, lectures, concerts and puppet shows. Still others are capitalizing on their newspaper racks, books and free Internet service for job searches and investment advice or advice on a topic that the title of a much-thumbed book makes obvious: 'Surviving a Layoff: A Week-by-Week Guide to Getting your Life Back Together.'"

The article, which covers some New Jersey libraries as well as those in Westchester, provides many examples of how using the library services saves money. The Bergen, NJ, library calculates that "the average yearly value to every card in our system was $706." 

The article also includes the cutbacks in hours and staff that many of the libraries are experiencing as a result of tough economic times.  Fortunately, because of the loyal support of the citizens of Pleasant Valley, our Library has not had to reduce either.  Our biggest constraint is lack of space to expand our collection or our services.  While plans for a expanded Library building are in the works, funding for expansion may be affected by the poor national economy.  Nevertheless, we continue to receive contributions at our Community Foundation fund Website or checks directly to the Library marked for building expansion.  Plans are underway for additional fundraising efforts.  Meanwhile, the Library continues to improve and where necessary repair the existing building. The chief concerns are improvements in safety, handicapped access, and reduction of environmental stress.