Are libraries dying out? Not in Manatee County.
Last year, the county's library system recorded its busiest year ever. Even higher numbers are expected this year, according to operations manager Kevin Beach.
“Last year, we hit the 3 million mark, and this year, we’re running about 12 percent ahead of last year,” he said.
Beach said economics plays a role in the increasing popularity of the library.
“In the past few years, particularly since we had downturn in the economy, more and more people are coming into the library,” he said. “They are using our resources instead of going to local bookstores and video stores. They need free entertainment.”
Librarians say the increase isn’t only because more people are checking out more books. They credit the services and programs they’re now offering for bringing more people in.
“It’s always been a research place, and it’s always been a learning place, but we’re also trying to make it more of a creative place,” said Ava Ehde, library services manager with the Library Division.
Ehde said the library system wanted to attract more visitors, so it has started offering things the community wanted. From resume assistance programs, iPad help, teens groups, to knitting and chess clubs, there is something for everyone.
The activities are free and are luring more people in, making the library a more enjoyable place to be.
Cathy Laird is the branch supervisor for the Braden River branch, which is the county's busiest library. She said librarians see people coming in each day to use the free services offered to the community.
"As you can see, we are a busy, bustling place, and people just can’t get enough," she said.
The Braden River Library branch is so busy it is asking for funding to hire more librarians.
Manatee has six library branches. For more information, visit: www.mymanatee.org/library.