Study: A Third of Americans Use Computers in Libraries

From the March 25th issue of The Daily Interlake, page A13

SEATTLE (AP) — A third of Americans— about 77 million people— use public library computers to look for jobs, connect with friends, do their homework and improve their lives, according to a new study released Thursday.

It confirms what public libraries have been saying as they compete for public dollars to expand their services and high-speed Internet access: library use by the general public is widespread and not just among poor people. But researchers found that those living below the federal poverty line— families of four with a household income of $22,000 or less— had the highest use of library computers. Among those households, 44 percent reported using public library computers and Internet access during the past year.

Among those aged 14 to 24 in poor households, 61 percent used public library computers and Internet for education purposes, though young people were the biggest library computers among all demographic groups.

Nearly half of the nation’s 14- to 18-year-olds— about 11.8 million people— reported using a library last year and a quarter of teens used the library at least once a week. The study was paid for by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and conducted by the University of Washington Information School, which gathered information three ways:

■ A random national telephone survey of 3,176 people from April to August.
■ In-person interviews with library patrons in Baltimore, Fayetteville, Ark., Marshalltown, Iowa, and Oakland, Calif.
■ An online survey that was answered by 45,000 people after they logged on to use a public library computer.

The most common uses for library computers included gaining access to government agencies,
searching for jobs and filling out applications, doing homework, communicating with friends and family, banking, seeking health advice, running a business, completing online courses and seeking financial aid for college.

Press Release

KALISPELL-- The Main Library in Kalispell opened its doors almost an hour late yesterday due to a power outage. A squirrel caused the outage and delays throughout the downtown area. I tracked down a distant cousin of the perpetrator (pictured above) and questioned him as to the motive behind such an event. He stated, "Mmmmm, peanuts good." And there you have it folks.
The real news is that if you would like to learn more about Squirrels Gone Wild, come in to the library and check out what we've got. We will be opening the doors at 10am sharp.

Breaking the rules...

Join us for an evening of Food, Drinks,
and Live Music by The Can’t Hardly Playboys.

For one evening, we're busting out of the norm and getting Loud at the Library.

Thursday, March 18 / 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Flathead County Library / Kalispell

The Flathead County Library Foundation is raising money to help with the Library's unique programs and services. We’ll have dozens of baskets for raffle as well as a special auction of library chairs and tables painted by local artists.

Tickets are just $25 each ($15 tax deductible) and are available at the Main Library Business Office. Call 758-5826 for more info.

Another birthday for Dr. Seuss

With games, crafts, and a lot of birthday cake, the Main Library celebrated the 106th birthday of Dr. Seuss. Once again the Cat in the Hat helped us celebrate with special guests,Thing 1 and Thing 2. This joint was jumping!

Silver Roots Musical Performance

The Flathead County Library System hosted two talented musicians last Thursday for a wonderful evening of music . Flutest Shawn Wyckoff and violinist Maria Millar performed classical pieces, Irish, American and folk numbers, as well as their own arrangements.

Approximately 70 enthusiastic audience members participated in the concert by asking questions of the two Julliard graduates, requesting songs, and laughing heartily at the repartee.

If you'd like to see more of this sort of programming at your Flathead County libraries, please let us know. And to learn more about Silver Roots, see their website.

Monthly Computer Classes

In the past, we've offered computer classes in blocks and then taken some time off. Basic, free computer classes are now being offered monthly at Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell (2 classes) and Whitefish. The classes will all be held in the same week and each class will be of a different topic, including- Basic Windows, word processing and spreadsheets, Intro to Internet, Easy Email and how to navigate our catalog and web site. Each class is taught at the beginner level. If you know someone interested, there is no registration. There are events calendars in each library and also online at http://flatheadcountylibrary.org/events.htm. Call your local library or Brett at 758.5814 for more info.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today would have been the 81st birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Libraries, government offices, some schools, and other agencies will be closed on Monday, January 18th (the official holiday) to commemorate the incredible work he did in his shortened lifetime.

In the words of Corretta Scott King:

We commemorate on this holiday the man of action, who put his life on the line for freedom and justice every day, the man who braved threats and jail and beatings and who ultimately paid the highest price to make democracy a reality for all Americans.

I encourage each of you to get involved in some way over these next few days and to look at each other with understanding and the realization that we are all members of the human race, and all equal. Yes, we all have different viewpoints--political viewpoints, literary viewpoints, religious viewpoints, land-use viewpoints--you name it; we are a diverse country and a diverse world. But it is up to us work together and continue the legacy of Dr. King to make this a better world for all.