Do You Have One?

All across this great nation of ours, September is Library Card Sign-up Month. This morning we put up our wall displays and table displays. We've sent public service announcements to the radio and television stations, as well as the local newspaper. When the multitudes of people come in to get their new library cards, we plan to be ready.

Of course, I have some very interesting facts about Georgia's public libraries that I bet you don't know. How about these...

• In FY2008, Georgians checked out more than 43.6 million items from their public libraries.
• Almost 1.5 million kids attended one of the 41,300 events that Georgia's public libraries offered for children in FY2008.
• 100% of Georgia's public libraries provide free high-speed Internet access to the public.
• More than 6,300 public-access workstations are currently available at Georgia's public libraries.
• In FY 2008, more than 270,000 individuals used public-access computers at Georgia's public libraries each week - more than 14 million annual users.
• The numer of annual visitors to Georgia's public libraries in FY2008 far exceeds the number of visitors to many of the state's other attractions - combined.
• There are 9.68 million people in Georgia; there are 3.8 million total households; there are 3.7 million Georgians with library cards, 2 million of which have PINES cards.
• 3,109 Georgians work in public libraries.
• 2,500-plus Georgians volunteer with public libraries.
• 1,400-plus Georgians serve as trustees for local public libraries.

How about that! Public libraries are accessible to virtually every community in Georgia. There are 386 public library branches and service outlets, as compared to 388 golf courses, 178 Publix grocery stores, 168 Starbucks stores, 134 Walmart stores, and 63 state parks and state historic sites.

So! Do you have a library card? In these tough economic times, your library card will give you free access to books and computers, homework help, assistance with resumes and job searches, accurate financial information, adult education courses, assistance for new Americans, CDs, DVDs, and much more.

It's the smartest card you can have in your wallet or purse.

(Sources: Georgia Public Library Service, American Library Association