By Stephanie Vaccaro, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY Librarians know what to expect when economic times get tight library usage goes up. And so it is for the circulation and participation in library programs at Mary Jacobs Library.
”It is just buzzing around here,” said Brenda Fallon, president of the Mary Jacobs Memorial Library Foundation.
”Historically, when the economy dips, you do see a heavier use of libraries,” said Cindy Mangel, director of the library.
People are coming to the library to borrow instead of Barnes and Noble to buy, she said. And parking has been overflowing onto the street.
In 2010, attendance at library programs increased 42 percent over the previous year, where 22,917 children, teens and adults enjoyed 630 programs. The number of materials checked out from the Mary Jacobs Library increased 6.9 percent over the previous two years. The circulation of eBooks is on the rise as well.
”When comparing 2010 to 2011, we are seeing a 1,700 percent in the circulation of eBooks and over 100 percent increase in the circulation of downloadable audiobooks,” said Ms. Mangel.
Summer reading program participation is up as well. While registration only began June 20, the adult club has registered 273 readers, an increase of 48 percent over last summer. Both of the clubs for children and teens have already nearly reached their 2010 totals as well.
”We’re so happy to have all this activity,” said Ms. Fallon.
The foundation has a goal of raising $125,000 for maintenance costs for the building that houses the library, which is privately owned.
”I’m happy to say that we’re on target, we’re about halfway there,” said Ms. Fallon. Since January they’ve raised $60,000.
”Since Montgomery Township’s financial support has gone down, the fund-raising appeal has increased,” said Ms. Fallon.
Funds will be raised by events, appeals to area businesses and individuals, and a continuing effort to educate the community about the unique situation of the Mary Jacobs Library where the costs for the building itself fall to the foundation and the community.
”I’m just very hopeful and confident that the local citizens of Montgomery and Rocky Hill and the local businesses will help us meet out goal again this year,” said Ms. Fallon. “We work at this every day it’s an ongoing project, and we feel very hopeful.”
A food and wine fund-raiser will be hosted at the library on Nov. 12. Tickets are $75.
For more information, see savemaryjacobslibrary.com.
