American Libraries in 2009: The Year in Review

Submitted by Charlie Thomason on Thu, 12/31/2009 - 10:08.

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If you had to sum up American libraries in 2009 with one word or phrase, what would it be? While tech-savvy teens might say “Library 2.0,” others might opt for “Sorry, we’re closed!” or “Where’d all the books go?” Either way, everyone can agree that 2009 meant changes @ your library.

Maybe the biggest and most enduring story of the year was how the country’s economic situation sent people to the library in huge numbers. The Pratt Library in Baltimore, MD, reported that over 1.7 million people had already visited their library by mid-August. In September, nearly two-thirds of America’s libraries reported Internet access and career help as “critical” library services.

That increase in usage also helped boost the popularity of some alternative library materials, such as comic books, video games, and blu-ray discs. In addition, libraries introduced new technology to get these materials to library cardholders, such as mobile devices and e-Books. In some cases, books were done away with in favor of becoming a digital e-library.

Thanks to the American Library Association (ALA), libraries managed to celebrate some exciting special occasions! Here are just a few of the fun events hosted by libraries across the country (click the links to read more):

National Library Week – April 12-18
Children’s Day/Book Day – April 30
National Library Legislative Day – May 12
Step Up to the Plate @ your library – Deadline: September 1
Library Card Sign-Up Month – September 1-30
Banned Books Week – September 26 - October 3
Teen Read Week – October 18-24
National Gaming Day – November 14

Unfortunately, the year also meant a lot of funding problems for libraries across the country. Despite rising usage numbers and some really strong public campaigns (e.g.: Save Ohio Libraries), many libraries were forced to shorten their hours or even close altogether.

All in all, 2009 had its ups and downs. Here on atyourlibrary.org, we managed to have a great time through some of our very successful contests. What was your favorite (or least favorite) thing about libraries in 2009? Leave a comment below or contact us on through either Twitter or Facebook.