By Jean Bonchak
JBonchak@News-Herald.com
The doors of area libraries are opening to larger crowds partly because of a questionable economy that is prompting many to keep their wallets shut.
And these libraries are responding with a vast menu of programs, books, movies and music for those seeking a means of relaxation and entertainment minus a monetary cost.
Jeff Forman/JForman@News-Herald.com Children act out Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” Wednesday at Willoughby Library with help from Dave Malinowski of the Willoughby Fine Arts Association.
More patrons
During the first quarter of 2009 there was a 28 percent increase of people in and out of Morley Library in Painesville compared with the same time frame in 2008.
According to Debby Shelton, head of children’s services, 600 children signed up for the summer reading club in the first 31 days of registration. That number reveals a significant gain from three or four years ago, when about half that number enrolled.
“Historically, libraries do well during poorer economic times and they’re not used as much during good economic times,” Shelton said. “People go to bookstores and take more vacations. A lot of people are finding more things to do closer to home.”
The Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library System is seeing a similar increase in patronage.
“With the economic downturn, we have seen so much more foot traffic,” said Elaine Terman, public relations manager. “It makes me feel good that we’re being used. We have so much to offer in the way of information and recreational reading. At the same time, it kind of saddens me in a way because I’m worried that so many people are using us because they no longer have a job.”
Siobhan McCann, youth services librarian at Perry Public Library, said a change in the usual post-Independence Day drop-off is a sign of increased library usage because of residents remaining close to home.
“Usually after the Fourth of July people go on vacation and our attendance has dropped,” she said. “In the last few years that hasn’t happened.”
In 2008, many storytime programs were filled to capacity and unprecedented waiting lists were begun.
Overall, Perry experienced a 20 percent increase in attendance from 2007 to 2008.
Geauga County Public Library System staff members anticipate overall higher numbers this summer as well.
“Our sense is that we’re going to have a large push again,” said Therese Feicht, the system’s assistant director. “Last year it was busy. We saw a lot of folks staying home and using the library as part of their vacation activities.”
More programs
To further serve the influx of patrons, some libraries have scheduled additional programming.
Mentor Library offerings are up by 20 percent to 25 percent at its branches. Executive Director Lynn Hawkins said the passage of a levy in 2008 has helped.
“We’ve made a commitment to address the community needs and we have with excellent programming,” she said. “None of this is canned. This is all programming we have developed this year. I’m really proud of the staff.”
“Hot Off the Presses” will show 7- to 12-year-olds how to create sculptures using newspaper, beads, feathers and paint on Friday. A sidewalk chalkfest taking place June 23 will present an array of artistic opportunities for youngsters.
And a special team of dogs will perform basic obedience drills to the music of “Grease!” on June 27.
This summer, each of the Mentor pools will be closed one day per week, leaving some to seek alternative recreational options. Supplementary programming offers another choice for productive use of free time, Hawkins said.
Geauga libraries also have added to their schedule of programs this year. Extra storytime sessions alleviated growing waiting lists and a new reading initiative will help youngsters transition from late summer to the fall season.
Kara Fennell, head of youth services at Middlefield Library, said a stronger emphasis has been placed on family programming due to the current money squeeze.
“It’s hard when we gear programs to specific age groups,” she said. “Parents can’t afford to leave toddlers at home with a babysitter when they come to the library.”
Along with programming, the lending of materials is on the rise.
“People are buying less and borrowing more,” McCann said. As inexpensive car trips become a more popular mode of transportation versus costly air travel, CDs to enjoy along the ride are being loaned.
The staff at Middlefield Library is checking out a larger amount of video rentals than in past years.
Adult Services Manager Nick Fagan said patrons have told him, “We can’t afford to go to the movies so we get one from here.”
Responding to unemployment
Library programming also is responding to the tough economic times by assisting the unemployed with job searches.
Mentor recently presented programs regarding composing resumes and finding jobs and will offer a session on interviewing skills in July.
Library staff also has considered the shortage of jobs for teens by adding a summer reading program for that age group.
“We’re trying to address the fact that there are not a lot of jobs out there, not a lot for teens to do,” Hawkins said.
A job search class put on by Geauga County Job and Family Services at the Middlefield Library a few months ago was well attended.
“Sometimes these classes don’t go very well,” Fagan said, “but this received a very good response.” Recent computer classes filled up within a few days.
Fagan said people are attempting to learn new skills to assist with acquiring employment.
Other Geauga County job help options are a resume writing class scheduled for July 13 at Bainbridge Library and Job Search 101 set to take place July 27 at Chardon Library.
Partnerships help
Terman maintains that one way Willoughby-Eastlake libraries are trying to do more with less is through the use of partnerships.
Stepping up a relationship with the Willoughby Fine Arts Association, a ballet program featuring dancers from the organization recently was presented.
“Even though times are tough, we can still expose our kids and parents to the arts,” she said.
Plans to link with the Willoughby Historical Society are in the works.
“The relationships are there, but until you have the catalyst from a bad economy you sometimes don’t take advantage of them,” Terman said. “We want to continue being a positive place of happiness, hope and opportunity in spite of the challenges of the economy.”
