With so much absolute tripe on television, it's so wonderful to hear that circulation at Seymour Library is on the rise. The library last year saw an increase of 40 percent over the previous year, with 67,000 more visitors.
Since 2007, the library has greatly increased its stock of DVDs. The library has also implemented a leasing system to acquire more copies of best-selling books, which the library can return as the popularity of the book declines.
Not to take anything away from the excellent efforts of the library, but the increase of card carrying members is likely a result of the poor economy.
Why pay $25 for a hardcover novel or $10 for a movie ticket when you can borrow a book or movie for free? The library also has computer kiosks that people can use at no charge.
It's economical and convenient.
Frankly, I think it's great that people are taking advantage of the library.
For years there has been a lot of social pressure to have every possible convenience: high speed Internet, an enormous flat screen television with 500 channels and a cell phone for every family member, including the dog.
It seemed like “keeping up with the Joneses” was more important than paying the bills.
Heaven knows, I racked up quite a bit of debt over the past few years, buying things that I wanted but didn't really need.
In the past few months it's suddenly become OK to be frugal, to admit that money is tight. Why? Because 80 percent of the public is in the same leaky boat, and the library is a free escape.
And the library is not the only organization enjoying a boom. Centro has seen a large increase in passengers in the past year. More than 15 million riders hopped on board a Centro bus last year, the highest number of passengers in its 37 year history.
Blame it on gas prices, but people just aren't buying cars or driving them like they used to. And why would they? Bus fare, even to and from work every day, is far cheaper than a car payment and tanks of gas.
Recently, I've started walking to work in an effort to save gas. I brown bag my lunch and I only occasionally rent or go out to a movie. When times are tight there is no such thing as a negligible luxury. Every last cent adds up over time. Instead of applying for another credit card, why not get a library card? You might be surprised how much you'll save.
Estabrook's column appears
Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
Not to take anything away from the excellent efforts of the library, but the increase of card carrying members is likely a result of the poor economy.
Why pay $25 for a hardcover novel or $10 for a movie ticket when you can borrow a book or movie for free? The library also has computer kiosks that people can use at no charge.
It's economical and convenient.
Frankly, I think it's great that people are taking advantage of the library.
For years there has been a lot of social pressure to have every possible convenience: high speed Internet, an enormous flat screen television with 500 channels and a cell phone for every family member, including the dog.
It seemed like “keeping up with the Joneses” was more important than paying the bills.
Heaven knows, I racked up quite a bit of debt over the past few years, buying things that I wanted but didn't really need.
In the past few months it's suddenly become OK to be frugal, to admit that money is tight. Why? Because 80 percent of the public is in the same leaky boat, and the library is a free escape.
And the library is not the only organization enjoying a boom. Centro has seen a large increase in passengers in the past year. More than 15 million riders hopped on board a Centro bus last year, the highest number of passengers in its 37 year history.
Blame it on gas prices, but people just aren't buying cars or driving them like they used to. And why would they? Bus fare, even to and from work every day, is far cheaper than a car payment and tanks of gas.
Recently, I've started walking to work in an effort to save gas. I brown bag my lunch and I only occasionally rent or go out to a movie. When times are tight there is no such thing as a negligible luxury. Every last cent adds up over time. Instead of applying for another credit card, why not get a library card? You might be surprised how much you'll save.
Estabrook's column appears
Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
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showpeople wrote on Jun 1, 2009 11:28 AM:
New book circulation times have been increased from 14 days to two weeks and the (oft-missed) reservation system is getting a brisk revival with a new rules. No charge for reserving books; making it easier and cheaper to reserve brand new best sellers from home and just wait for the email to let you know when to pick them up.
Not only that but under a new leasing program the Library normally has multiple copies of best sellers affording shorter wait times.
Also under new management the Library has "cleaned" up their older books and made way for the new. Travel books are now current along with other self help books. (sadly, like most libraries, PC self help books are a rarity).
All in all, Seymour Library has been an essential cornerstone in our community. Now with Free internet access we now have access to just about every written word, available in the world today.
Congrats to the wonderful staff and to you Carole for mentioning this great local institution. "