Rockingham County residents turn to libraries for no-cost entertainment, education

During an economic downturn, people do not expect to hear that business is booming. But it is at the Rockingham County Public Library.

Jay Stephens, library director for the county, said his staff has been extremely busy lately. Circulation is up 13 percent from last year, while attendance at library programs has risen 15 percent from the previous year.

Stephens credited part of the jump to his staff. By making people feel welcome and at ease, patrons want to return.

However, he believes the main reason more people are heading to the library is because times are tough.

"Money is tight," Stephens said. "People are looking for things to do that are low-cost or no-cost. We're an alternative."

Stephens believes many people hold misconceptions about what exactly the library has to offer.

One of these is that there is a fee attached to getting a library card. Stephens said a person's initial card is free of charge.

Another fallacy is that libraries are just buildings full of rows and rows of books. While books are largely the focus, Stephens said they do offer a number of other items.

"It can be an eye-opening experience," Stephens said.

Aside from books, the library also carries audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and videogames. Stephens said they have videogames available for all three major platforms.

Carrying videogames started as a pilot program in Eden about two years ago. It was well received and has continued. Most of the games the library carries can be categorized as either sports, educational or related to a recent popular novel or film.

The library also puts on programs for children and adults.

The best part? It's all available for free.

People are not just going to the library for leisure, though. Stephens believes the library is also a valuable resource in hard times.

With the nearly constant talk of layoffs and unemployment, Stephens said a lot of people have been using their computers to fill out online job applications. His staff also has been assisting people looking to write a resume or advance their career.

As household budgets are squeezed, people have been turning to them for information on personal finance, investing and starting home-based businesses as well.

On Tuesday, Rita Blackwell was at the library job hunting. She said she was being proactive.

Blackwell recently moved back to Reidsville from Houston, Texas. After four years away, she has returned to the city to take care of her mother.

Blackwell believes the library has a lot to offer. However, she seemed even more impressed with Reidsville itself.

"I was really surprised," Blackwell said. "There's been a lot of big changes. I'm happy to be back in the city."

Valerie Pinnix of Reidsville brings her kids to the library every week. Pinnix was job hunting on Tuesday while her kids played computer games.

Pinnix believes the library is a good resource, especially in the present economy. Aside from using the internet, she said her family also borrows movies, audiobooks and CDs.

"I can't afford movies at the rental place," Pinnix said. "They've got a good selection here. I like how they rotate the titles."

Stephens is pleased with the influx of library customers, but he said he is sorry it is happening under such difficult circumstances.

"I'm glad people realize that we're here and that we have resources to help them out," he said. "I hope even more people come in."

The Rockingham County Public Library system consists of five branches, an administrative office for support services and a bookmobile.

For information, visit www.rcpl.org.