Gayl Selkin-Gutman Office of Legislative Information
Services Montgomery County Council Office Building, 5th Floor 100 Maryland Avenue Rockville, MD
20850 ItÕs no surprise that Americans are using libraries more now than ever. In addition to online and digital
resources, the demand for traditional services has also increased. Libraries
provide the entire community with access to culture: books, film, music etc.
When people's personal budgets are restricted due to unemployment, pay freezes,
furloughs or efforts to build their cash reserve just in case, the library
becomes an efficient way to meet the community's
needs while it helps hold the community together. Libraries draw people out of
their homes, away from their fears and isolation and reinforce their
relationship to the community as a whole.
Rockville,
MD
April 13, 2009
Good evening. My name is Gayl Selkin-Gutman and I live in
the Horizon Hill subdivision of the City of Rockville. Thank you for the
opportunity to speak tonight on behalf of the Rockville Library Advisory
Committee and on behalf of our county libraries, in general.
This week I am marking (not celebrating) an
anniversary of sorts. A year ago this week, I was informed that the company
where I had worked for more than five years had been unable to identify a
senior level assignment that suited my skill set. In other words, I was being laid off. That took some getting
used to. At that time, I never
would have believed that a year later I would still be unemployed. Yes, the
employment situation is that bad and IÕm living proof. Though, I have to admit, I am one of
the lucky ones – since my husband still has his job. IÕve even been able
to devote more time to the Friends of the Library and LAC.
A couple of weeks ago, when I was watching the Oprah
Winfrey Show (yes, being unemployed does have its perks). I was interested to hear what her
guest, Suze Orman, was recommending for people who have been laid off during
the current economic crisis. Interestingly, she has altered some of her
longstanding advice. Instead of a six-month emergency fund, she now recommends
keeping eight months of expenses on hand. In explaining where a couple who had
seemingly done everything according to these rules went wrong, Ms. Orman
pointed out that people are not cutting their expenses enough – or as she
put it Òto the bone.Ó Among her examples, Ms. Orman suggested cutting either
land-line or cell phone service (you donÕt need both) and cutting out cable and
internet service, as well.
Anyone who has conducted a job search in recent years
– is keenly aware that internet access is an essential job search tool.
Have you looked at the employment section of the Washington Post lately? Barely anything is advertised there
anymore – the majority of positions are advertised online. Snail mail is
a thing of the past. Many employers
no longer accept paper resumes and some only accept applications through their
websites.
But Ms. Orman is correct; some bills must be paid
while others are non-essential.
You can do without internet access at home, as long as you can count on
internet service that is available elsewhere, preferably for ÒfreeÓ (paid for
by taxes that remain an essential bill, for most of us).
Public libraries are the sole source of no-fee
access to the Internet for 73% of Americans without connectivity at home or
work.
Accessing the internet at our local public libraries
is not frivolous or a luxury – for many it is a necessity. IÕve spoken
with traditionalists who see the role of libraries as primarily providing books
and other reading materials, and who complain that our libraries are beginning
to look more like computer labs. The truth is that there is a wealth of
information that is best or only accessible by internet and our library staff
are experts in helping the public access that information. Providing computer
and internet access to community members who may not otherwise have it is
essential – especially in these trying economic times.
Given my situation, itÕs hard not to focus on the
needs of the increasing number of unemployed in our county. Still, itÕs important to acknowledge
that in this difficult economy, libraries also must meet our day-to-day
information needs.
Senior citizens have expressed concerns that any
collection, staffing or transportation cuts could impact activities, such
as book clubs, that help keep them current and contribute to their quality of
life. They worry that such budget cuts might preclude the expenditure of time
it takes to assist them with these activities.
School aged children and teens need the resources and
a place to do work when school is not in session. During difficult economic times, it is probably unrealistic
to ask for increased hours. However, please keep in mind that ideally, the
popular Sunday hours should be retained, even during the summer months. Just
stand outside of a library during a Sunday in June and watch how many patrons
show up – expecting it to be open - only to be disappointed!
When the Rockville FOL held its ÒWelcome back
Sundays!Ó celebration – the first Sunday that service resumed last
September – we were initially concerned that we might not have much of a
turnout – being that it was the very first Sunday the library was
reopened. We even considered waiting a couple of weeks until the public Ògot
the ideaÓ that Sunday service had resumed. Boy, were we wrong! That first Sunday in September people
showed up in droves. Many – if not most – of the people we spoke
with said they were unaware that the library hadnÕt been open on Sundays
– it was just a day they showed up expecting service.
Library services must be
fostered and preserved.
We are grateful that the County
Executive has recommended that Library operating hours remain the same as
FY09. Libraries are a wise use
of our tax funds. Thank you
for making wise choices for the people of Montgomery County. In the long run, the people will support
a County government that supports them.
Gayl Selkin-Gutman, President
Rockville Library Advisory Committee