Locally, THe New York Public Library system has seen a dramatic increase in library users effected by the economic downturn. At libraries nationally, usage is up as libraries supply access to email and word processing, job information resources and free entertainment resources in the form of CDs and DVDs. Library workers have inadvertently become first responders to the crisis and bear witness to homeless or newly homeless people who need a warm place to sit with access to a water faucet, bathroom, computer and a place to read, write and be around people without being obvious.
This year is one in particular to take note of challenges library workers face - especially those that work in public library settings.
- Monecia Samuel
