Northborough – Tuesday, April 10, the Northborough Free Library will join libraries across the Commonwealth and the nation to provide a “snapshot” of what happens in a day in the life of libraries. How many books are checked out? How many people receive help finding a job? Come in to attend an event? During Snapshot Day, libraries will collect data and photos that help demonstrate the value of libraries and raise public awareness that libraries are busier than ever.
Everyone can participate in the second annual event simply by coming into the library, located at 34 Main St., to do their regular business, such as using the Internet, participating in Morning Storytime or another event, or coming in to check out some things to take home.
New this year is online participation. Go to www.mass.gov/libraries and post comments about the ways you use the library. Last year residents across the Commonwealth downloaded more than 9 million articles from trusted library resources.
“We'se looking forward to a fun, busy day that helps us show how much our residents use their library,” said Library Director Jean Langley.
Busy days are the norm at libraries across the state. Over the past decade, libraries in Massachusetts have experienced a dramatic surge in usage, including a 50 percent increase in library visits and a 29 percent increase in circulation.
Nationally, Snapshot Day is supported by the American Library Association which will compile state data to provide a national look at a day in the life of libraries. Massachusetts Library Snapshot Day is presented by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Regional Library System, the Massachusetts Library Association, the Massachusetts School Library Association, and Boston Public Library. Visit www.mass.gov/libraries or contact the Northborough Free Library at 508-393-5025 for more information.
