Kapiti People Turn to Libraries In Recession

Kapiti People Turn to Libraries As Recession Bites

Friends of the Kapiti Coast Libraries say local people have been flocking to the libraries in unprecedented numbers as the recession intensifies.

The number of people using the Paraparaumu Library went up 20 per cent and the number of books issued increased 16 per cent in the first six months of the financial year. as Kapiti Coast people increase their use of libraries with the economic downturn.

In a report to the Friends, Libraries’ Manager Leslie Clague says the number of people going to the three District libraries -- and the number of books they are borrowing – increased by around 12 per cent overall.

New library memberships are also up, says Ms Clague. In February, for instance, 303 new library members were enrolled – a rise of 17 per cent on the same period last year.

Ms. Clague says the upsurge in library use seems to be related to the economic downturn, with other libraries around the country also experiencing greater use.

Other factors are also at work, Ms. Clague notes. Firstly, she says, the KCDC Libraries have been ‘upping their profile in the community’.

She cites the Libraries’ stand at the Waitangi Day celebrations, participation in a recent Coastlands promotion, and the Library display at the Sustainable House and Garden Show.

Free internet service for members has brought more people into the libraries – particularly in Otaki. She adds that the Libraries’ webpage also makes local people more aware of the range of library services.

Ms Clague says there’s an ongoing improvement in the library collections. Out-of-date and damaged books are being weeded out to make way for new; labeling of CD’s, DVD’s and talking books has been improved.

The Long Term Council Community Plan is recognizing the upturn in library use with an increase in the libraries’ materials budget from $330,000 this year to $375,000 next year and a further rise the following year. The increase will bring the collections up to library standard going forward, Ms Clague said.

The Friends of the Libraries say the surge in library usage show that their campaigns for better library services have been fully justified – and show the immense social benefits of libraries in hard times.

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