Entertainment does not always have to cost a fortune, and depending on where you look, it can even be free.
As thousands of Americans brace themselves for what economists are calling the worst economic slump in more than two decades, neighborhood libraries have become a hot-spot for free entertainment, allowing patrons to check out whatever they would like for free — unless it comes back past the due date.
In the past few years, library offerings have moved beyond just books, with DVDs gaining popularity and giving video rental chains a run for their money. And although mail rental services like Netflix have been a popular choice in recent years, with unemployment soaring and the cost of living increasing on a daily basis, what was once a luxury — having movies mailed directly to the house at the cost of about $40 per month — is simply unfeasible now.
Still, some find opportunity in these tough times.
Particularly the libraries.
The William K. Sanford Town Library celebrated its 700,000th circulated material this year last month, commemorating the event with a party for the children who attend the library and a cake-cutting ceremony with Colonie Town Supervisor Paula Mahan.
When I started, back in 1984, I remember a board member saying, ‘You can have a mezzanine if you have over 400,000 [books], said Library Director Richard Naylor. `Indeed it did go over 400,000, and we do have a mezzanine.`
Naylor said that the library has about 200,000 items, including audio materials, DVDs and books. The 700,000 mark represents the number of times something was taken out of the library and returned this year.
`We’re talking about usage,` said Naylor.
Naylor said, in general, the usage has gone up every year, with the exception of 2002, when the library underwent a renovation.
This year, however, Naylor said other factors have likely contributed to the library’s successful circulation numbers.
`In this economy, it seems like people are checking out more books,` he said. `I think that if we look at it and say what’s logical, ‘Well I can pay $30 and buy the book, or check it out free.’`
Not only have libraries become a source for entertainment during the financial crisis, but they have also become a valuable resource for employment.
The New York Library Association announced results of a survey on Monday, Feb. 9, that showed 80 percent of the libraries in New York have helped someone search for a job in the past three months.
Michael Borges, NYLA’s executive director, commented on the survey results.
`As the state faces its most difficult economic crisis in decades, public library usage has rapidly increased, particularly with people seeking help in finding employment,` he said.
Borges emphasized that the free services the library provides come particularly in handy in times like these.
`When folks lose jobs or cut back on spending for fear of losing their jobs, people turn to libraries for free Internet access and books, CDs, videos and literacy programs for their families. Libraries have become part of society’s safety net for the neediest in our communities,` he said.
Naylor said the library has been more populated with people in the past year, and they are turning, surprisingly, more toward reading material than viewing or audio materials.
`In the past few years, DVDs [usage] have not increased. In fact, the movies have actually gone down lately,` Naylor said. `The reading is actually going up a lot.`
In 2008, adult fiction and nonfiction were the two most popular categories in the library’s circulation, Naylor said. He noted that there has been an increase in participation in the children’s section’s many programs, as well.
“