Things to Know About Public Libraries
A library is a wonderful resource. Not just for thousands of free books, but also for access to a reference librarian who can answer almost any query, free use of a computer and internet, and more. The library was always a treat for our boys, though I most often went alone (so I’d have time to choose excellent books). When I was young, I went by myself, walking several blocks with as many books as I could carry. I learned to speak quietly in the library, put books back correctly, turn pages gently, and to generally be a good citizen– amazing what a civilizing force a library used to be!
I’m not sure if libraries realize it, but I think the statistic that circulation of children’s books has increased 17% over the past decade is at least partly due to homeschoolers who use the library to supplement purchased curriculum. If you have a local library, I encourage you to support it through regular visits, volunteering, and any other way you can.
As a homeschooler, you can help to shape your library’s collections and programs through strategic requests (nicely conveyed, of course!). You also have the ability to make librarians look forward to or dread your visits, so be aware of that, too, as the actions of one homeschooler affect all to one extent or another. Enough said on that;-). I hope you enjoy the informative infographic below.
FIND A LIBRARY NEAR YOU
FIND YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
INFORMATION INTEGRATED
WITH GOOGLE MAPS
DATA SOURCE: IMLS
Sources:
- ALA Library Fact Sheet
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Data
- Bureau of Economic Analysis
- Northwestern University Libraries information
- MIT Library Data
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
- Census.gov – Public Libraries in the U.S. 2009
- ALA – Funding Technology Access Study
- Volunteer Match – Engaging Volunteers
- Pew Internet – Libraries, patrons & ebooks
- ALA Quotable Facts – American Libraries
- Harrison County Library – Facts and Figures
- Stanford University – Library Facts
- Library of Congress – Fascinating Facts
- Libraries for Real Life
- Houston Library – Facts
- Library Journal – Annual Library Budgets Survey
- ALA – State of American Libraries Report – 2012
- NationalService.gov – Benefits of Volunteering
- ALA – Library Operating Expenditures
Thank you to StateStats.org
for providing this infographic and other free web guides and tools.
