The recession

According to articles in The New York Times and the Denver Post the recession has lead to an increase in the number of people using libraries. The general feeling here is that use has increased although we don't have the figures to back this up. The reference team have noticed an apparent increase in the numbers of people looking for books on gardening and chicken keeping. The library is now offering free classes on cv writing and these seem to be popular. We have also started a wiki - WithoutWork - which has information of looking for jobs, budgeting, saving money, budget cooking etc. Some American libraries have been forced to close branches or reduce services just when they are needed most. We are a bit luckier here. The council has been asked to save 3.5 million dollars but services are to remain at the same levels so there is no suggestion of reducing opening hours. However the new library building that is so badly needed at Greerton has been put on hold yet again and all the other proposed new branch libraries that were in the 10 year plan have been pushed further out.