Actually, no. A lot of people predicted the public library would go extinct, since information is so easily available on the Internet. In fact, more people are using the library than ever.
In January of 2010, the Newport Public Library circulated 23,648 items. That's up 13 per cent from January of 2009. December 2009 was up 10 per cent from December of 2008. November was up 25 per cent. And so on.
That trend is statewide. According to statistics collected by the Oregon State Library, Oregon ranks number 2 in the nation in items circulated and patrons served.
Now, don't get the idea that we're lighting our cigars with dollar bills. We are supported mostly by the City of Newport, where the budget is tight and the councilors have a lean and hungry look. But even though we're forced to spend less money, we are serving more people and checking out more items than ever before.
In all, we are happy to inform you that reports of our death are greatly exaggerated. It is the support of our loyal patrons that keeps us alive, so we thank you for that.
