In the mid-1990's, the Internet was growing astronomically and the expectations of what it would ultimately deliver were growing as rapidly. Chicago convinced itself that libraries would soon be extinct, replaced by instant access to books and research materials through people's personal computers. Funding dropped dramatically and the whole system immediately began to starve.
 

Katrissa Taylor used a computer to search for work last week at the South Garland Branch Library. 'Any time the economy is bad, people need their libraries more than ever,' said Claire Bausch, director of the library system. Source: DMN and MIKE STONE/Special Contributor

To its credit, by the early 2000's, Chicago realized its mistake and funding was restored at higher levels than before. New branches were constructed. The new branches had community meeting rooms, places were afterschool children could be tutored, and — the ultimate irony — lots of computers. Chicago had learned that instead of libraries being replaced by computers, people used libraries to access computers.
 
Chicago's libraries became more than a place to check-out books; they became community centers, places where people gathered, meetings were held.
 
I can no longer find the report I read that described this turnaround but I've discussed it with Claire Bausch, director of Garland's libraries. She is an adamant supporter of the central role libraries play in many residents' lives.
 
A recent front page article in the Dallas Morning News extols the crowds headed to North Texas libraries and featured front and center were Garland's libraries. A large photo showed rows of computers with patrons surfing the Internet. The computer has become an integral part of libraries. In Garland, the virtual walls of the library extend to the home where patrons can access electronic books, homework help, research sites, and much, much more (take a few moments to browse our library website). In sync with the growing electronic activities, Garland residents are borrowing more books than ever before.
 
On a cautionary note, the article also covers the budgeting concerns that exist across regional cities. With an extremely tight budget expected this year in Garland, most, if not all, departments will be impacted, including libraries. We'll need to be lean because it is our best defense for tight budgets expected for the next few years, but we must also be careful that we don't make the mistake that Chicago almost made in the 90's.
 

More are flocking to North Texas libraries

12:00 AM CDT on Monday, July 21, 2008
By BRANDON FORMBY / The Dallas Morning News
bformby@dallasnews.com
 
Whether they're looking for work, taking online college courses or seeking affordable summer activities for their kids, North Texans are turning to one place in increasing numbers this year – the local library.
 

Computers are in demand at the South Garland Branch Library, with many looking for employment. Some patrons return to thank librarians when their search is successful. Source: DMN and MIKE STONE/Special Contributor

Not that area librarians are surprised.
 
"Any time the economy is bad, people need their libraries more than ever," said Claire Bausch, director of Garland's Nicholson Memorial Library System.
 
But the state of the economy doesn't affect just residents – it also influences city budgets to which library finances are tied.
 
"It's kind of ironic that we're increasing our numbers as our budgets are being cut," said Dona Weisman, a consultant for the North Texas Regional Library System.
 
* * *
 
Garland city officials are also looking at ways to cut their budget. Ms. Bausch said she couldn't comment on whether library funding was at risk. A budget official could not be reached for comment.
 
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