Bellingham Public Library patrons set a record last year, checking out over 1.6 million items, according to an article published in today’s Bellingham Herald. Checkouts increased in 2010 by about 1 percent over the previous year despite a 14 percent budget cut as well as 7 percent fewer visitors.
Director for Bellingham Public Library Pam Keisner told the Herald she thought these numbers indicated “a decrease in access for the public to our libraries because of the number of hours that we've cut, primarily.”
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The three library branches, including the Barkley branch, were open 180 fewer hours than in 2009. One discussion board post suggested looking into the creation of a digital library, which has had a hard time getting off the ground on a national scale.
From conversations I’ve had with residents, I know many people see the Barkley branch as a vital element in their community. In what ways have you felt the “decrease in access?” What, if anything, do you feel should be done about it?
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