ALA just released their State of America’s Libraries, 2010 report.
“The report shows the value of libraries in helping Americans combat the recession. It includes data from a January 2010 Harris Interactive poll that provides compelling evidence that a decade-long trend of increasing library use is continuing—and even accelerating during economic hard times. This national survey indicates that some 219 million Americans feel the public library improves the quality of life in their community. More than 223 million Americans feel that because it provides free access to materials and resources, the public library plays an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed.”
For more: http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/index.cfm.
~Nicolle
steffen_n@cde.state.co.us