LIBRARY NEWS

Library’s return on your investment: 4 or 5 to 1

By Carole Howard and the Library Staff

Can you imagine how pleased you would be if every dollar you invested in something brought you $4 or $5 in return? Well, a recent study of eight libraries in our state by the Colorado State Library put numbers to the economic impact of libraries in communities, and the figures are impressive.

The main finding: For every tax dollar received by these libraries, they returned at least $4 back to the their communities. At Douglas County , the figure was $5.02, and its analysis follows. The numbers were calculated in various ways, all based on last year's expenditures and activities:

• First, what would it cost to secure the same services from other alternatives? In 2006, taxpayers contributed $16,983,799 to the library. To have purchased or rented the books, movies, music, Internet access, and meeting room space used by the public last year would have cost $66,283,529 from anybody else.
• A second factor was "lost use." According to the study, some people simply wouldn't have pursued the information they needed, sacrificing it because they didn't know where to look, or because they thought they couldn't afford it. Value of lost information: an estimated $2,965,705.
• A third factor is direct local expenditures, contributions made by the library to community businesses and individuals in the form of purchased goods and services: $582,830 last year.
• A fourth factor involves the contribution of library staff to the economy. At least some of the folks libraries employ wouldn’t be working, for at least part of the year. That cost was estimated at $10,042,081.
• Finally, there’s a factor called “halo spending.” The survey looked at what else people did when they leave home to go to the library. Turns out they spent an estimated $5,362,720 in neighboring businesses. A good 23 percent of those purchases would not have happened without that trip to the library.
• Divide the total economic value ($85,236,865) by the cost and you get $5.02.

Those are Douglas County figures. The seven other Colorado libraries studied were in Cortez, Denver, Eagle Valley, Fort Morgan, Mesa County, Montrose and Rangeview in Adams County. Our library was not included in this survey. But results are pretty consistent not only in those communities but also across the country, ranging from an ROI high of $6.54 in Florida to $3 in Pittsburgh. So it seems safe to assume that the figures would apply here as well, more or less. It’s a comforting thought.

Closed over Thanksgiving

The library will be closed November 22, 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving and for carpet cleaning.

Library chess winner

Pagosa’s own Karl Irons became the 2007 Four Corners Chess Champion after winning a chess tournament played at the Durango recreation center November 3. He also is the highest rated player in the Knights of Sisson Chess Club, which meets at the library Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. Chess players of all ages are welcome.

Cookbooks

Just in time for Thanksgiving, we have “How to Cook a Turkey and All the Other Trimmings” with more than 100 recipes by the editors and contributors to Fine Cooking magazine. “New England Soup Factory Cookbook” by Marjorie Druker and Clara Silverstein includes not only soup but also recipes for sandwiches and salads to pair with them. “ America’s Best Lost Recipes,” collected by the editors of Cook’s Country magazine via a nationwide contest for the best heirloom recipes, offers great family recipes passed down through generations plus regional specialties.

Adult fiction

“Away” by Amy Bloom is the story of an accidental heroine who comes to America after her family is destroyed in a Russian pogrom, and then returns on word that her daughter may still be alive. “A Certain Slant of Light” by Laura Whilcomb tells of a woman who, after haunting people for 160 years, meets a teenager who can see her and together they unlock the mysteries of their pasts.

Novels for youth

“The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick, written for students in third through seventh grades, chronicles the adventures of an orphan and clock keeper named Hugo, who lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station. “Sold” by Patricia McCormick, aimed at students in the seventh grade and older, is the story of a young Nepalese girl who is sold into prostitution in India.

Fantasy and humor

“Garden Spells,” a debut novel by Sarah Addison Allen, tells of a family and a garden in North Carolina with mystical powers. “On the Divinity of Second Chances” is billed as “another wacky adventure” by Kaya McLaren. “Making Money” by Terry Pratchett tells of the adventures of a manager who was so expert at running an efficient post office that he is asked to “make money” at a bank.

Christian fiction

“A Rush of Wings” by Kristen Heitzmann is the story of a beautiful yet secretive woman fleeing danger by coming to a Rocky Mountain horse ranch. “Just Beyond the Clouds” by Karen Kingsbury is the story of two brothers, one with Down Syndrome, and the only woman whose love can set them both free.

Non-fiction books

“The Immortal Game: A History of Chess” by David Shenk is a wide-ranging history of the seemingly simple game that has had such a profound effect on societies the world over. In “Secret Socities and How They Affect Our Lives Today,” Sylvia Browne writes about the clandestine realm of secret societies and how she believes they affect the lives of each of us every day. “If Democrats Had Any Brains, They’d Be Republicans” is the latest by conservative analyst and wit Ann Coulter. “The World Atlas of Wine” by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson is the book many people consider the bible of the wine world.

How-to books

“Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads” by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden bills itself as a survival manual for guys entering the trenches of fatherhood. “Be the Pack Leader” by Cesar Millian is a new guide for developing the skills necessary to help your dog live a balanced, fulfilled life.

Thanks to our donors

For books and materials this week we thank Michelle Albach, Susan Baker, Linda Bundy, Connie V. Chavez, Susan Dussell, Marti Gallo, Scottie Gibson, Kathy Hamilton, Stacey Kuehn, Barbara Lindley, Paul Matlock, Karen Morgan, Lori Moseley, Celeste Nolan, Nancy Ray, James Sanderson, Rick Sibley and Eva Sparks.

Also, we received a copy of “Hershey Ranch-September 29, 2007.” This book is a collection of pictures taken by members of the Pagosa Springs Photography Club during a recent competition documenting a day in the life at Terese Hershey’s Four Mile Ranch. Thank you, Terry, for donating this beautiful book to the library so we can share it with all our patrons who love photography, beautiful scenery and historic ranches.

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