Career books used to fill several shelves in a rear nook of the Harford County library in Bel Air, but not anymore.
The shelves have often been barren over the past few months as the economic meltdown and surging unemployment rate push many people in Harford and across Maryland into libraries to take advantage of the free movies, computers and books. Books about writing resumes and hunting for jobs are even more popular as people search for work.
“They are very popular books,” said Beth LaPenotiere, manager of the Bel Air library, “but to all of a sudden get an influx of people and to go over there and not see any was really eye-opening.”
Circulation at Harford libraries has increased 11 percent compared with last year, and hits on the Web site have jumped 85 percent, Library Director Audra Caplan said.
“Where people used to buy or rent, they’re coming to us,” Caplan said. “It’s good for us because that’s what we’re here for. It’s bad for the economy.”
In Howard County, libraries have seen a circulation boost of about 20 percent this year, spokeswoman Christie Lassen said. “I would certainly attribute the economy as part of that because people are looking for ways to cut back, and we can help them with that,” she said.
Baltimore City’s circulation numbers are not yet available, but officials expect them to show a large increase over last year. Participation in resume-writing classes is up about 92 percent, and hits on the Web site for job and career information have increased about 50 percent, library spokeswoman Roswell Encina said.
But greater popularity presents some challenges for libraries, as well. The poor economy has crushed government revenues, and libraries have not been immune to funding cuts — making keeping up with the increased demand doubly difficult.
Harford County Executive David Craig ordered all departments earlier this year to reduce their current budgets by 5 percent. Caplan found room to cut the libraries’ budget nearly 5 percent, but said any further cuts could directly hurt services.
Many customers coming in now require more time from librarians for help navigating the Internet to find a job, or for guidance in applying, librarians said.
“People are just working harder,” Caplan said. “I can’t stand to lose staff now.”
