Much of the news we’ve seen since the beginning of the year is related to the economy.  The length and depth of the economic strife may be debated, but our country is definitely in an economic downturn. 

At the Pikes Peak Library District, we see the impact of that in several ways.  First of all, as with many businesses, our operating revenue is down.  By the end of this year, the Library District will have lost over $.5 million in projected revenue.  We are adjusting priorities, looking to our Foundation for fundraising assistance, and aggressively seeking grant opportunities to cope with the shortfall. 

At the same time, library usage is up.  Nearly two million items were borrowed by Pikes Peak area residents in the first three months of this year.  As of the end of March, circulation was already 7% higher than it was last year.  Visits to our website were up 12% in March, and visitors through our library doors are increasing as well.  

Why?  If you think about it, it’s very logical.  In difficult economic times, our libraries are used more because they are needed significantly more.  Individuals are using our resources and PCs to write resumes, look for jobs, learn a new skill, or start a business. Families through our doors cannot as easily afford to buy their books, rent movies, or pay for a night out for the family. 

Throughout our newsletter, you will find programs that help all of us cope in these difficult times – do-it-yourself travel planning, staging your home for homesales, xeriscaping, the Friends of the Library quarterly booksale, educational and fun programs for all ages and the entire family, and free computer classes, to name a few.  Also, please join us and others in the City for the kickoff program of the 75^th Anniversary of FDR’s New Deal, which offers an interesting look back at our country’s most difficult period of economic distress and how the nation coped.

Please continue to use us as your reading, information, and leisure time resource.  That’s why we’re here.  As one writer (Anne Herbert) once said, “Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries.”