Residents flock to library in times of economic distress

Finding a computer at the local library has been difficult recently as visitors look for ways to save money or find jobs in the midst of the current economic crisis. Even in today's fast paced society, the library remains a pillar of strength.

As the current financial meltdown forces millions out of homes and jobs, these places of knowledge are receiving more attention at both the state and national level.

According to the American Library Association, library use can rise upwards of 20 percent in times of economic crisis, a jump that Cherokee County Public Library Director Lana Gardner said she is seeing here.

"It's been pretty much what I've heard from everyone around the state," Gardner said. "When the economy gets tough, people are coming to take advantage of our variety of services."

Nearly 12 percent of Cherokee County residents were unemployed as of November 2008, according to figures from the South Carolina Employment Security Commission. With no end in sight to the nation's current economic free fall, many are seeking relief in any way possible.

Free internet and reading materials at the local library are proving to be a good starting point for many local residents, according to Gardner.

"People are coming in to use the computers so they can get a headstart on potential jobs and other resources," Gardner said. "Internet and magazine subscriptions can put a dent in a budget, so I believe any little bit we can do helps."

In addition, Gardner said circulation is up by 20 percent, a telling sign of how many are using the library as a place of refuge during this time of economic uncertainty.

However, locations across the country are cutting staff and hours as a means to save money despite the use of library resources increasing significantly.

While such drawbacks have affected other libraries, such is not the case locally... at least not right now.

Taxes levied by the county keeps both Cherokee County Public Library locations in Gaffney and Blacksburg in operation.

For the moment, there are no plans to cut staff or operating hours, but that all depends on the state of the economy.

"I think we're pretty set for this fiscal year as far as our finances," Gardner said, "but we'll definitely re-evaluate things if the situation requires us to do so.

"After all, we don't know what the next year will bring, so it is something we'll look at in the coming months."

One of the things Gardner said is pivotal in continuing to attract visitors to the library is the many programs it hosts during the year.

"Getting children to the library is important; it is vital in my opinion," Gardner said. "If the kids come, so will the parents. So continuing to provide these programs is essential to not only helping out the library, but also helping in the development of children."