Libraries face budget cuts as usage increases

Americans have turned to public libraries during the recession in record numbers, but that hasn't stopped library budgets from being slashed. The 2010 State of America’s Libraries Report reveals "24 states reported cuts in state funding for public libraries from fiscal year 2009 to fiscal year 2010," Lynda Waddington of The Iowa Independent reports. Nearly half those cuts were greater than 11 percent. Just three states reported an increase in funding, while seven states and the District of Columbia provide no funding for libraries at all.

"In total, 41 percent of the states that responded in January 2009 reported declining state funding for public libraries," Waddington writes. "Georgia, for instance, has seen state funding reductions of more than 7 percent each year for the past three fiscal years." State cuts were often compounded by local funding cuts. Meanwhile, "two-thirds of public libraries help patrons complete online job applications, provide access to job databases and other online resources (88 percent) and civil service exam materials (75 percent), and offer software or other resources (69 percent) to help patrons create resumes and other employment materials," Waddington writes. A January 2010 Harris Poll survey, revealed 219 million Americans agreed that the public library improves the quality of life in their community. (Read more)