In her last comments, Wizard Marks wrote: "...how will the library get more lifetime library users. It is now something less than 20% of the population who use the library. If we're spending $140 million (plus), shouldn't the library attract a bigger segment of the population?"
While I believe the library has a permanent mission to reach out to new users, Wizard's numbers are way off. The Friends of the Library conducted a citywide phone survey of residents in the spring of 2000. At that time, we found that 75% of Minneapolis households had visited the public libraries within the past year. Of those who use the libraries, 24% accessed the libraries 20 or more times. I think these numbers were substantiated by the incredibly positive response to the referendum (67% yes vote). Another way of looking at this is to remember that one of the core reasons to include the community libraries in the referendum is that virtually every single one is bursting at the seams -- especially in the after school hours. Not only is library high, the trends are positive. The Library's circulation was up 8.4% in 2000 and another 6% this year - even with the Linden Hills Library closed for renovation. These high rates of usage can be attributed to many factors, including the fundamental appeal and importance of libraries. But the Minneapolis Public Library should also get credit for: 1) developing/maintaining an excellent collection that is very reflective of its citizenry: 2) strong outreach programs, like Library Links, which works to bring new immigrant populations into the libraries, and Homework Helper, which; and 3) a remarkably skilled staff. I'm a huge fan of the Hosmer Library, and I have great respect for the contributions Wizard made to it, but at this point, she's not doing justice to the system as a whole. Yes, of course -- the Library should always strive to serve as much of the population as it can, and good ideas should always be circulated. But the Library should also get credit for the excellent work that it does. I consider serving 3/4s of the City in a single year an incredible achievement. Colin Hamilton Executive Director Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library 612/630-6172 612/630-6180 (fax) [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
