Manchester City Library

It’s easy to take the things that we’re used to for granted. Lately we’ve been much more aware that things like affordable gas or, for some of us, electricity are not as dependable as it once seemed. Well, the same could be said for libraries. Most communities in this country have at least one public library. As of 2007, NH boasts over 230 libraries.

Our NH libraries receive between $1 and $10 per capita annually to buy new materials - books, videos, cds, databases, what have you. That’s how much we spend, but did you ever wonder what we get back?

I was thrilled to find an article about just that in the Bangor Daily News recently:

Molly Larson, director of the Rockport Public Library and president of the Maine Library Association, recently pointed out the Maine State Library’s online tool known as the Library Use Value Calculator… This user-friendly tool allows you to note not only how many books, magazines and movies you borrow in a typical library visit, but also whether you asked a reference question, read a periodical, used a conference room, attended a children’s or adult program, and more.

I recorded my latest library visit, during which I asked one reference question, attended one library program, used the library database, and borrowed one music CD, one film and five books. The value added up $233. And all I needed to receive these services was a library card.

I estimated that in the month of December I took home 15 books, 2 movies, 1 cd, 10 Interlibrary loans, and logged 3 hours of computer time. So, in December the Library provided me access to materials and services worth over $965! That’s even a conservative estimate for a busy month; I usually use far more than that.

Play around with the calculator; see what you’re saving. It makes me really appreciate all of the people and organizations that support us. The Library is truly a community asset. It belongs to all of us.