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July 11, 2009

Harrison, Kearny libraries see usage soar

Thursday, July 02, 2009
By ROSE DUGER
KW CORRESPONDENT

W est Hudson's libraries have emerged as an important resource for recreation and job searches during the current down economy, according to the area's library directors.

With residents having less disposable income, they're turning to the free services offered by the Harrison and Kearny public libraries, mirroring a national trend.

Both attendance and circulation are booming at the two local libraries, with patrons taking advantage of free services such as programs for kids, the lending of books, computers with Internet access and job skills workshops.

"Our library is full every day," Ellen Lucas, director of the Harrison Public Library, said recently. "School's not even out yet, so I'm talking about adults. They come in to use the computers and do their resumes. We're seeing a lot of new faces, as well as familiar faces."

Both Lucas and Kearny Public Library Director Julie McCarthy report that circulation is up this year. In fact, McCarthy noted that circulation has jumped some 20 percent in the first five months of this year compared with the same time period in 2007.

"The number of people in the library is definitely more," McCarthy said, adding that the facility just purchased counters to track attendance more closely. "People are doing their resumes and looking for job information. So many applications for jobs can only be done online."

As in past years, the Kearny Public Library has held computer classes to help job seekers and seniors beef up their skills to become more tech savvy. The library recently renovated a downstairs room in which to hold the classes.

Harrison is also improving its computer offerings. The library recently received a $9,350 grant from the Gates Foundation to install several new computers and Lucas reports that the facility hopes to purchase seven more by the fall.

In Kearny, McCarthy is trying to set up workshops on job skills and how to find a position through the Hudson County Department of Labor. The library has also agreed to work with the Census Bureau by providing space for the federal agency to offer job tests for employees to help with the next census.

"One of the reasons we agreed to it is it gives people the chance to get jobs," McCarthy explained. "That's even more important this year."

Posted by tumulty at July 11, 2009 7:47 AM

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