Libraries report record number of visitors

Libraries report record number of visitors
Record number of visitors use free resources for personal and professional reasons.

by Marcia Chercoles

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

August 14, 2008

Jairo Fuentes was tired of paying $60 a month for Internet service just to check his e-mail. So last year, the Hollywood resident canceled his service. Since then, he's been a regular at the Hollywood Branch Library, where he connects his laptop to the free Wi-Fi.

"With the money I save I can do so many other things, like go to the movies," said Fuentes, 37, who runs a transportation company.

A slow economy and tight budgets are driving more people to South Florida's public libraries, which are experiencing record numbers of visitors. Some go for free services they can't afford at home anymore, such as Internet access, newspaper and magazine subscriptions. Many unemployed also use libraries to update and print resumes, look for jobs, and learn computer skills to get a new job.

So far this year, the Broward County Library System has seen a 13 percent increase in the number of materials checked out compared to all those checked out last year. The Palm Beach County Library System reported a 16 percent increase for the same period.

"June was one of the highest circulations we've ever seen, due in part to the economy. You have more people coming to the libraries because the items are free," said Nemoure Ahmed, branch manager at the Boynton Beach Library.

When the doors of the Hagan Ranch Road Branch Library in Delray Beach open every morning, about 15 people rush to the DVD and audio book sections. The new facility at first resembles an electronics store; those looking for books must first walk through the extensive multimedia selection.

Marie Lawson, a Delray Beach hairdresser, checks out a couple of audio books and DVDs each week. "It is a free form of entertainment," she said.Walida Swaggard, 31, regularly takes her son Manuel, 7, to the Hollywood Branch Library and checks out DVDs and CDs.

"Not only it's a pastime, but now it's become more of an economical resource to fall back on now that prices have gone up, especially when you are trying to cut corners," said Swaggard, who is a science teacher in Hollywood.

Libraries also are seeing record numbers of people logging onto their Web sites for free access to the Wall Street Journal and other publications that would otherwise require a paid subscription. Broward's public libraries have had a 30 percent increase in Web site visitors so far this year. Palm Beach libraries saw a 28 percent increase.

Libraries have also become a resource center for the unemployed, who ask the reference desk for books on how to write resumes and cover letters, use the computers and local newspapers to look for jobs, or take computer skills classes.

Renee Lafleur, 27, lost her job as a sales person in a gift shop at the airport a month ago. She signed up for a beginner's computer class at the Hollywood Branch Library this week to refresh her computer skills. She hopes to find a job doing data entry or customer service.

"Now you are required to file applications online, file reports, do many more things. They also ask you how many words can you type per minute," Lafleur said.

Tara Connolly, computer center manager at the Hollywood library, marks a stroke on her calendar every time someone asks her a computer-related question. She answered 5,624 questions in June, up from 3,829 in June 2007.

The most common questions include how to create a resume, look and apply for online jobs, or navigate through the Web site myflorida.com to find government services such as food stamps. Waiting time to use the computers can reach an hour during peak hours.

"I've got a few coming back telling me 'I got a job,'" Connolly said. "Others have not been so successful."

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