Library Services

Let's take a look at what a modern library can offer.

Of course, books have been the most popular service since public libraries began in America a century ago. Even today, despite the use of computers, more books are being checked out than ever before. In the past generation, circulation in the Eugene Public Library, for example, has increased about twice as fast as that city's population growth.

 But modern libraries are not simply warehouses for books. They are information centers.  Instead of a book, you might check out a video of a classic movie or a travel documentary about a place you want to visit. You might pick up an assortment of compact discs so you can try out new music in your car or at home.

The information in libraries is accessible to everyone. Large-print books are available for people with poor eyesight. Books on tape can open new worlds for the blind -- or they can entertain you in the car on a long drive.

 Bookmobiles bring books, videos, CDs, and other materials to rural areas throughout the United States -- but not to rural Lane County.

 Most counties also have a daily courier service that shuttles requested books and other materials from one library to another. With a courier service, people can order any book in the county system and pick it up free in their local branch the next day.

Modern libraries offer many other programs, too. Story times always draw a crowd. The Eugene Public Library's Saturday morning  teddy bear time, for example, is designed for children under three. Studies show that children who listen to storybook readings learn to read better, and at an earlier age, giving them a measurable advantage in school and in their later careers.

Home-schoolers in most parts of the United States rely heavily on public libraries. Lane County has one of the highest percentages of home-schooled children in the nation, but we don't have library programs for them. Even in our regular school systems, libraries have been cut back or closed because of budget shortfalls.

You don't need a car to use a library. Most library systems have outreach programs, where volunteers deliver books to elderly shut-ins, or to people who cannot drive.

Computers are a key part of libraries today. Library card holders can access each library's entire catalog on-line, even from home. Every tax-supported public and school library in Oregon also provides access to hundreds of online databases, magazines, and newspapers. The full text of many newspaper and magazine articles, for example, can be downloaded for free, even from home.

Libraries also provide Internet access -- computer areas staffed with people who can help show you how to browse the World Wide Web.

Reference librarians provide answers you can trust to your questions. Any Oregon resident can use the L-Net service organized by the Oregon State Library, to get online reference help via email or chat, at any time day or night.