WHY SUPPORT PUBLIC LIBRARIES?
Prepared by the Friends of the Sarasota County Libraries with national library
Statistics from the American Library Association (www.ala.org) and from the
Sarasota County Library system.

Public libraries need our support. Library use continues to climb, particularly in these tough economic times. Much more than book depositories, libraries are centers of equality and opportunity. Here are nine ways public libraries are filling essential needs:

1.) Public Libraries combat the digital divide.
In a 2006 survey, 70% of urban library computer users reported the library was their only way to get on a computer. This resource, paired with the free technology training offered by the Sarasota County Libraries reduces barriers to learning and employment in the information age.

290,756 people used the Sarasota County Library Computers in FY2008. This is enough users to fill the Robarts Arena in Sarasota to capacity for the next 42 events.

• These people used the computers for a total of 175,531 hours – this is equivalent to more than 7,313 days or more than 20 years!

2.) Public Libraries foster democracy.
Thomas Jefferson said, “An informed citizenry is the bulwark of democracy.” Public libraries ensure the free availability of information and protect the privacy and confidentiality of library users, allowing anyone to become an informed citizen. The Sarasota County Libraries host many community gatherings, programs, and even serve as early voting sites!

• The staff of the Sarasota Supervisor of Elections Office, the Sarasota County Library System, and 1,900 poll workers presided over a huge election process in 2008 servicing more than 208,000 registered voters.
• The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was established to by the U.S. Congress to ensure that the American Public has free access to the extensive, complex, important information published by its government. Sarasota County Library System offers the largest FDLP south of Tampa.

3.) Public Libraries improve early literacy and school readiness.
Parents and educators say that libraries are the number one resource in preparing children for school and setting the stage for success. The Sarasota County Library system offers a vast assortment of children’s materials as well as many programs that promote early literacy including but not limited to: Story Times for children of all ages, Read with the Dogs programs, and Dial a Story. The ability to read is one of the most important factors leading to success.

• In FY2008, Sarasota County Libraries offered 2,487 programs for kids of all ages. This is equivalent to more than 6 programs for every day of the year.
• In FY 2008, more than 80,283 youth participated in the programs offered by the Sarasota County Libraries. This is equivalent to every child enrolled in Sarasota County schools grades 1-12 attending more than 2 programs at Sarasota County Libraries.

4.) Public Libraries assist small businesses.
Libraries actively reduce barriers to small businesses entering new markets. The Sarasota County Library System provides online electronic information resources useful to these businesses : General BusinessFile ASAP, and Reference U.S.A. provide directory information on U.S. businesses, company information and trade publications. Full text magazine and newspaper information is also available online for market research. All libraries carry collections applicable to workforce development, leadership, and small business planning and development. Many Sarasota County Libraries also host SCORE workshops as well.

5.) Public Libraries contribute to vibrant communities.
Sarasota County Libraries offer meeting space for community organizations, study groups and more. Studies demonstrate libraries increase foot traffic in commercial settings without competing with businesses. In residential areas, they enhance safety and the quality of life.

• In FY2008, 2,645 community meetings were held in Sarasota County Library meeting rooms, attended by 29,545 people. This is equivalent to more than 7 community meetings per library for each day of the year. The number of people attending these community meetings would fill the Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota to capacity for the next 4 home games.

6.) Public Libraries support communities in times of need.
Pick up any newspaper these days and you can find an article on how library use surges during times of economic recession. More people take advantage of library services, including technology, technology training. As more government offices limit services to online applications, people are referred to public libraries to apply for jobs, and government benefits online. This affirms the library’s role as a vital resource for those facing hardships and the need to protect library funding when local government budgets are tight.

• Anecdotal evidence from Sarasota County Libraries shows an increased use of the library for job searching, filing for government benefits online, and use of technology resources due to cutbacks at home.
• In FY2008, more than 2,536,995 people used the Sarasota County Libraries. This was a 12% increase over the FY2007 library attendance.
• In FY2008, computer usage in Sarasota County Libraries increased 18% over the previous year, and this only includes those using the library PCs not those using the library WiFi with their own laptops.

7.) Public Libraries serve the creative arts.
Sarasota County Public libraries offer unparalleled public access to literature, music, film, and visual arts. These libraries offer musical performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, and presentations by artists and authors.

• In the past year Sarasota County Public Libraries have offered, film fests, Lullaby Concerts for families, numerous art exhibitions, and reading festivals featuring authors.
• All county libraries offer great music and literature, available to you free with your library card!

8.) Public Libraries provide expert guidance.
Highly trained librarians answered more than 211,698 reference questions in FY2008, this is equivalent to more than 579 questions per day. Librarians are trained to guide you through overwhelming amounts of information in many formats.

• Sarasota County Libraries offers “Ask a Librarian” a service which gives you the ability consult a professional reference librarian via email or chat 24/7.
• The library’s website offers online information resources as well as a list of recommended Internet resources.

9.) Public Libraries deliver on investment.
Libraries make good monetary sense. An independent study commissioned by the State Library and Archives in Florida determined that public libraries directly return $6.54 for every $1 invested in them, an amazing return on investment.

• Click on the “What is Your Library Worth” in the upper left hand corner of the www.sclibs.net website and find out how much you would pay out of pocket for your library services!