Library Benefits in an Economic Downturn
Libraries historically have seen increased usage in difficult economic times, and today’s economic downturn is no exception. Below is a sampling of newspaper articles and television news stories highlighting the recent surge in library usage, including some right here in Madison!
Recent Wisconsin News
- As the economy goes down, traffic at the library goes up (Wisconsin State Journal)
- As economy dips, Fox Valley libraries have ‘banner year’ (Fond du Lac Reporter)
- Libraries an information refuge in tough times (Wausau Daily Herald)
- Library uses rises as economy slows (Eau Claire Leader-Telegram)
- Library use up with economy drop (Racine Journal Times)
- Wisconsinites Turn to Libraries in Poor Economy (WMTV Channel 15, Madison)
Recent National News
- Libraries offer free relief from tough times (NBC Nightly News)
- CBS News Notebook: Libraries (CBS News)
- Visit the Library this Winter (Planet Green)
A recent study showed that $4.06 is returned to Wisconsin taxpayers for every $1 invested in public libraries. For more information about libraries and the economy, visit Wisconsin Libraries.org or show your support for Madison’s libraries with a contribution to the Madison Public Library Foundation. You can also share your own library story at the Foundation’s web site. How has the library changed your life?
- Adapted from the January 9, 2009 issue of Online Update from South Central Library System
Entry Filed under: Ashman Branch, Central Library, Community Issues, Hawthorne Branch, Lakeview Branch, Meadowridge Branch, Monroe Street Branch, Pinney Branch, Sequoya Updates, South Madison Branch
2 Comments Add your own
1. Lynn Lockwood | August 14th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Hi-
I am the director of a small library in Maine and currently fighting for my budget. I need research showing the value of public libraries and would be VERY grateful for the source of the information that “A recent study showed that $4.06 is returned to Wisconsin taxpayers for every $1 invested in public libraries.”
Thanks for any help you can give.
Lynn Lockwood
2. Tana | September 14th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Dear Ms. Lockwood,
The report is online here:
- full version: http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/pdf/wilibraryimpact.pdf
- executive summary http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/pdf/wiimpactsummary.pdf
- four page summary produced by Campaign for Wisconsin’s Libraries http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/central
and similar reports are here:
http://www.ila.org/advocacy/impact.htm
and here http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/econimpact.html
Best,
Tana Elias, Madison PL
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