All this talk of recession and economic downturn is a bit scary isn’t it? As a librarian, I look at what is occurring and begin to wonder how it will affect our budgets in coming years. But I couldn’t help but think of all the ways libraries can help their communities and actually increase patronage during tough times through the “free” services we offer.

In some ways, this brief list oversimplifies all the things we can offer, but that is kind of the point…to provide a reminder of the basic but important services libraries offer at little or no cost.

So, without further adieu, here are nine ways libraries can help you get through our country’s economic slowdown:

1. Try it before you buy it. Money is tight. Don’t buy a CD, DVD, or book without “test-driving” it first. Come to the library and borrow it to see if it’s a purchase that is right for you. If we don’t have it, we’ll try our hardest to get it for you.
2. Two words: FREE INTERNET.
3. Bolster your business. We have access to databases and research tools that will help you reach new and different markets, even during tough times.
4. Get the skills you need. Libraries offer classes on a variety of topics. Pick up your library newsletter or visit their website. You’ll quickly find you can learn new things ranging from basic computer skills to knitting to how to start a business.
5. Find entertainment. Libraries offer classes, events and activities for children and adults, almost always at no cost. A fun night out doesn’t need to be an expensive night out.
6. Hold meetings that get results. Libraries often offer low-cost or no-cost meeting spaces. Whether your a school group trying to develop a fundraiser or a CEO trying to launch a business, stop in to see if you can hold your meeting at the library.
7. Be a well-informed investor. The library has up-to-date stock market information that will help you get through tough times. Make smarter investment decisions with the most current financial information.
8. Find a new job, a better job, or a different job. Use computers, books, newspapers, and more to find a employment and build resumes and cover letters.
9. Regain a sense of community. Feeling a bit disconnected during tough times? Libraries are places where communities come together. Stop in and take a moment to take in the action… you’ll find it abuzz with information, people, and possibilities!

(Printed by permission from Christine Ayer who is currently library director at the Adam Cardinal Maida
Alumni Library in Orchard Lake, Michigan. This article was published in ilovelibraries.org in 2007.)

Friends of the Lacey Timberland Library officers:
President & Newsletter Dee Corwin 413-5799
Vice President George Hutton, Secretary Jim Pedrick
Treasurer Jose Tripp, Membership Sylvia Cleaves 491-9453

As 2007 ends and as a new year begins, we want to say Thank You to the Friends who have volunteered their time and effort to our library. Their ability to generate public awareness has success-fully increased the number and quality of books being donated.

The sale of donated books not only raises money for many of the Lacey Library programs and services. It provides low-cost reading material for the community.

Due to our limited storage space, only the better donations are priced for the book sale. Others are given away. One volunteer sorts and donates the discards. Paper-backs and children’s books go to the Nisqually Library. Hardback books are sorted by category and are donated to a wide variety of locations. For example, books about the military, self-help, do-it-yourself, and religion are divided between McChord AFB and Ft Lewis. Foreign language books are distributed where they will find the most use, for example, Japanese books to River Ridge High School and Korean books to the Korean Women’s Institute. Other books go to the Goodwill. Of course, there are always the moldy books we have no choice but to toss into the recycle bin.

2007 HAS BEEN A VERY REWARDING YEAR
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!!!

Happy New Year

Include the Library in Your Resolutions for 2008

• Resolve to visit the library at least twice a month. Something new is added every day.
• Send a donation to the library Foundation.
• Ask someone to join the Friends of the Lacey Library.
• Read to a child, and know that you are helping to foster a life long reader.
• Volunteer to help with programs and other events.
• Consider giving funds to purchase a book in memory or honor of someone.
• Request for consideration materials you would like for the library to purchase.
• Uphold the freedom of every individual to read what he or she chooses to read.

Welcome to the new website for the Friends of the Lacey Timberland Library! This will be the place to check for upcoming events, booksales and other news. Other information about memberships, donations and the Timberland Regional library is available by clicking on the navigation links at the right.