In Tough Times, Libraries Are Lifelines

In its new report on The State of America's Libraries, the American Library Association finds

As the recession that took hold in December 2007 drags on into 2010, Americans are turning to their libraries in ever larger numbers for access to resources for employment, continuing education, and government services. The local library, a traditional source of free access to books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs, has become a lifeline, offering technology training and workshops on topics that ranged from résumé-writing to job-interview skills.

The report also describes "a perfect storm" of increasing demand and shrinking resources. As state and federal revenues struggle in the economic downturn, funding for all types of public libraries suffer.

During National Library Week, take a few minutes to reflect on how you and your family have used libraries. From children's story hours to homework assistance, from free Internet access to leisure reading, from videos and music to concerts and lectures--all of these services and more come from your local libraries.