Library Use Increases

There was an article in a recent L.A. Times talking about how libraries are seeing a rise in traffic as frugal book and movie fans are borrowing instead of buying.

A spokesman for the Los Angeles Public Library said that "Traditionally, in tough economic times, public libraries experience an upswing in use."

Here are some statistics from libraries around the country:

• The Los Angeles Public Library experienced a 10 percent increase in the number of books, DVDs, CDs and other items checked out.
• The San Francisco Public Library said about 12 percent more items were checked out in October than a year earlier.
• Libraries in Chicago experienced a 35 percent increase in circulation.
• The New York Public Library saw 11 percent more print items checked out.

The Buena Park Library District has also seen an increase in the number of checkouts and library users:

• Since the beginning of our fiscal year in July 2008 there has been a total of 224,280 items checked out, which is an increase of 7% over the same time period last year.
• The number of people signing up for library cards also increased by 9.6% for a total of 2,692 new card holders since the beginning of July 2008.

Welcome to all the new library card holders and to everyone -- we are happy to be a service to the community!!