Did you know the Library is one of the best values in Decatur County? I just finished the 2006 annual report and for the first time used a "value calculator" to total the value of library services to our community. I was pleased and proud to find that in 2006 our local library provided services worth over $3 million to local residents.
What is a library "value calculator"? It totals the retail value residents would pay out-of-pocket for the services that libraries offer to the community. For example, library patrons checked out 169,161 books in 2006 with a conservative total purchase cost of $2,537,415. Patrons also used the library Internet connection 19,373 times with a value of $348,714. And over 15,000 people attended library programs valuing over $81,000. These are just a few of the items calculated. The annual report will be available the end of January if you would like to see the complete copy.
Some new reports concerning libraries just crossed my desk and I would like to share with you a bit of what they have to say. The Urban Libraries Council just issued a report documenting that early literacy services contribute to long-term economic success for communities. They also report that library employment and career resources help prepare workers for new technologies. In their concluding remarks the Council states that libraries are seen as contributing to stability and quality of life within a community.
"Library Journal" reported that nine library systems in southwest Ohio commissioned a "Value" study and results show that these libraries returned a direct economic benefit of nearly $4 for each dollar spent on library service. The report also points out that many benefits of library service cannot be quantified, including "improved economic prospects and an enhanced quality of life."
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation reports that "studies indicated most people are unaware of all the type of information and services libraries make available to their patrons. U.S. residents do not have a current view of library services or technology offerings. Most residents hold a nostalgic view of libraries, associating them overwhelmingly with BOOKS."
For those individuals who don't use the library – why don't you stop in and see what we do have to offer? Let's go ahead and start with books -- 97,000 of them from which to choose. We have books for folks of all ages – picture books for tots, bestsellers for adults and large print items for those with vision problems. If you read magazines, the library subscribes to 216 – we have something for everyone. One of our popular new offerings is "Everyday with Rachael Ray." Here is just a sampling of the titles we offer: "Farm World"; "Inspired House"; "Dog Fancy"; "Mother Earth News"; "Bicycling". Why buy a magazine, when you can come to the library and check them out free of charge? We also offer videos, music CDs, audio books and more.
We offer a wide array of programming opportunities. Story times are always popular and are available for children ages six months to six years. And did you know that almost 1,800 children and families participated in Summer Reading? Summer Reading is a fun way to keep reading skills sharp over the summer and to encourage families to read. The Children's Room offers a variety of programs throughout the year. Give them a call at 663-4455 for more information.
Adult programs vary from recreational to educational. In January, we offered knitting workshops and glass painting. On Saturday, February 10 at 3:00 p.m. join us for "Things That Go Bump in the Night", an up-close and personal look at the nocturnal animals of Indiana. Another program I am excited about will be featured April 24 – local history enthusiast Joe Westhafer will present a program on Simon Kenton. Kenton was a frontiersman who helped open Kentucky and Ohio for settlement and may be best known as the man who saved the life of Daniel Boone. These are just a sampling of the programs offered at the library.
Our popular Computer Lab features a high speed connection for faster Internet surfing and computer workshops will resume in February – contact the Computer Lab for more information on what they offer.
We offer a wide variety of business resources and career information. Free GED classes are also held at the library courtesy of the Southeastern Career Center. For more information, phone the library at 663-2826 and speak to Rosalie Hooton.
These are just a few of the services the library offers to the community. While my value calculator totals over $3 million, I would have to say that library service is priceless! How can you begin to count the lifelong value received by a child who attends story time? Or how about the adult attending GED classes at the library? What about the lifelong joy of learning a new hobby? Truly, how can you begin to measure the value of our library to the community? If you aren't a library user, I would like to invite you to stop in for a visit. If you are one of they many Decatur County folks who visit us on a regular basis, then be sure to tell your friends and neighbors about all we offer! Hope to see you soon at the Greensburg-Decatur County Public Library!