Wegner Gives Thanks for Iowa's Public Libraries

Guest column, Des Moines Register: In hard times, Iowans flocking to their libraries

MARY WEGNER is state librarian of Iowa and was recently named member of the year by the Iowa Library Association.

As we give thanks for what we have this year, we're reminded that the holiday may be gloomy for those who are struggling in this challenging economy. In these tough times, our libraries are more valuable than ever.

Iowa's public libraries are essential elements of their communities - loved and used by Iowans, in good times and bad. More than two-thirds of all Iowans have an active public library card. According to reports submitted annually to the State Library, public library use over the past 10 years is up by every measure. Checkouts are up 13 percent, the number of people who have library cards has increased 20 percent, and library visits jumped 35 percent.

When money is tight or disaster disrupts the community, public library use always goes up. Stories from Iowa librarians about big increases over the past six months lead us to expect even higher numbers when 2008 statistics are calculated.

Comments from library reports demonstrate how libraries build community. The Monona Public Library says that people are saving money by using the library's computers and high-speed Internet. The Carter Lake Public Library notes that locals have come to the library to apply for unemployment benefits and to post job resumes. Griswold's public library reports that two customers used the library's computers to apply for jobs they eventually got and were able to stay in their community.

"In this day and age, many job postings and applications are available only online, and the same goes for scholarships and other financial assistance," according to Johnston Public Library Director Willona Goers.

Libraries became lifesavers to many Iowans affected by this year's floods. In Greene, the library was one of the few places in town that still had Internet service. "Our community was thrilled to be able to check their e-mail, correspond with FEMA, or just relax," said library director Cynthia Siemons.

The Iowa City Public Library opened up additional public-access computers so people affected by flooding could fill out FEMA forms. The Des Moines Public Library provided office space for weeks for many employees of city government who were displaced by the floods.

Iowa libraries continue to offer the same popular programs they always have, in addition to new technology. The 120,000-plus Iowa children who attend summer library programs will better retain or improve their reading skills from the previous school year. Most Iowa public libraries subscribe, through the State Library, to databases that contain millions of articles not available for free on the Internet. Kids, as well as their parents, find lots of entertainment in their libraries, such as Wii games, music CDs and DVDs, plus the ever-popular books, magazines and newspapers. Thousands of Iowans who are sight-impaired are fanatic fans of their library's audio books.

Sheryl Groskurth, director of the Waterloo Public Library, reports that attendance at library programs and computer classes is up notably. Library users "indicated that they want more movies, or other opportunities, for adults to come together and visit. I think this is the biggest indicator that people are using our library as a community center, in addition to a place to learn and borrow materials. I think increased use of the library is not just a sign of the economy; it's a sign that people want to have a place to gather and act as a community."

As we pause on Thursday to give thanks, let's also be appreciative of our Iowa public libraries and the services they provide, which contribute so much to our good life in Iowa.