Economic woes boost library use

As the nation's economy continues to slow down, Chicago Public Library officials say they are seeing increased use of its facilities.

Library officials are reporting circulation of library materials during the first nine months of this year is up a whopping 28 percent over the same period a year ago.

Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey on Monday told a City Council budget hearing that as the economy has become more difficult, more people are choosing to visit a library instead of buying books, movies or CDs.

Despite the increased use, Dempsey said the library is laying off five employees, cutting 166 vacant, full-time jobs and 177 part-time positions.

In the past, such budget cuts have been accompanied by threats to reduce library hours. But Dempsey said this is hardly the time for that.