Public Libraries - Value Increases in Bad Times

The Today Show (msnbc) carried a story segment on "Libraries lend a hand in tough times". This is a good video clip to share widely because it has a lot of examples and statistics about how libraries are providing free Internet access, teaching basic computer and Internet skills, entertainment, and information resources. Job seekers are re-discovering and valuing their public libraries.

The American Library Association provided background material for the reporters. Two key statistics to note:

• 73% of public libraries report they provide the only free access to the Internet in their communities. This rises to 83 percent for rural libraries: http://tinyurl.com/mupmzd and www.ala.org/plinternetfunding .
  
• 68% of Americans have a library card: http://tinyurl.com/9ewpcc.