When another weekend was coming to a close and I could not think of anything to write about, I decided to do an internet search on library facts and share them with you.
Libraries are busier than ever. The current economic climate has made libraries an even more vital part of their communities. It's a national phenomenon reflected in our local library system.
Sixty-eight percent of Americans have a library card; 75 percent of library card holders used their library cards in 2008. (Wasn't able to locate a more current year percentage but suspect it is slightly higher.) Americans check out more than 2 billion items each year from their public libraries; the average user takes out more than seven books a year.
Our patrons are way above average -- checking out six or more books every two weeks! They spend $33.56 a year for the public library -- about the average cost of one hardcover book. Americans spend more than twice as much on candy as they do on public libraries.
Public libraries are the number one point of online access for people without internet connections at home, school, or work. Many -- 98.7 percent -- public libraries provide public access to the internet.
Libraries have more cardholders than Visa; have more outlets than McDonald's; and move more items than FedEx.
In addition to a large selection of fiction and non-fiction books for children, teen and adults, our library offers DVDs for checkout. You may also peruse the latest issue of The Times of Northeast Benton County and many popular magazines.
In May 2010, New York's oldest library revealed that they were still waiting for the return of a book taken out by George Washington 221 years earlier. Guess this is an age old problem plaguing most libraries. There was no mention of the amount of fine due!
I am beyond excited and happy to report that we have a Pea Ridge resident who responded to my appeal to get certified by the Literacy Council of Benton County in order to tutor. He is my personal hero. Ideally he will soon be matched up with an individual in need of tutoring. More than 11 percent of the adult population in northwest Arkansas is considered to be at Level One Literacy. Help lower this number by coming by the library to pick up a tutor application. If you know of someone who could benefit from this program, urge them to call the Literacy Council at 479-273-3486. Reading opens up a whole new world!
See you at the library!
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Editor's note: Peggy Maddox is the librarian of the Pea Ridge Community Library. She can be reached at the library at 451-8442 or by mail at P.O. Box 9, Pea Ridge, AR 72751. Library hours are 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. The library web site is www.pearigecommunitylibrary.org.
Editorial on 10/01/2014