We Depend on Libraries During a Recession
The many benefits public libraries offer in dragging economies
Recessions can be rough for anybody. They can be incredibly challenging for many who frequent public libraries. Fortunately, these libraries and those who work there are ready to pivot from “business as usual” to helping patrons with unplanned and sometimes devastating life events (like job loss).
What Is a Recession?
“A recession is a significant, widespread, and prolonged downturn in economic activity.” Since recessions can last for over six months, one indicator of being in a recession is when there are two consecutive quarters of decline in a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Still, over the years, libraries have been one public institution that has generally weathered the economy’s ups and downs. After all, libraries have the services struggling, and unemployed people need the most — information, with help locating it at the forefront.
Library User Needs During a Recession
During the 2008–2009 recession, an unemployed woman pointed out the obvious yet often overlooked fact that “In times of recession, people take advantage of free services, and going to the library is among the most popular.”
When the economy slows to a crawl, patrons (existing and new) turn to libraries for help. Public, school, college, and other libraries all tend to see increased use of specific services, like:
- Accessible computer and internet access
- Free activities (e.g., book discussions, story times)
- Employment advising
- Tax preparation
- Legal assistance
- Assistance with food and housing
- Free books and other media
And whether it’s a recession or not, libraries will keep moving forward — in outlook and introducing innovative new services they can justify, budget-wise.
Most publicly funded libraries can apply for government and private grants that are seldom available to for-profit businesses or individuals. Funding comes from various program types, including:
- Sums are allocated specifically and meant only for libraries.
- Funds are earmarked more broadly to assist schools and local governments (public libraries included).
Do you know that more comprehensive libraries, library systems, and their advocates (e.g., governing boards) typically have the combined resources needed to take on the often cumbersome grant writing process?
How Do Library Staff Handle Recessions?
Library staff salaries aren’t always all that high, given the work it takes to keep things running smoothly. But recessions aren’t generally the best time to request raises.
So libraries might offer perks, such as travel and merchandise discounts, museum passes, and even the occasional promotional event or special celebration. Even sincere praise for a library employee’s efforts can boost their spirits — which is great since that can encourage them to spread positive energy among patrons and colleagues.
Many libraries or library systems also reserve funds for professional development activities like conferences and continuing education (which many need to achieve participation goals). Moreover, changing the pace of day-to-day tasks can mean a lot, especially during a recession.
What’s more, library staff are accustomed to helping one another through various forms of support, including moral support — even when the economy is flourishing. But working collaboratively and sharing projects can bring out their best during a recession. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll forget about their financial woes long enough to carry the momentum forward — until the markets are going strong again.
How Did Public Libraries Fare During Past Recessions?
There have been several recessions since the start of the 20th century, when public libraries began to gain popularity across the U.S.
Following the Great Depression, from 1929–1939, shorter recessions would come and go. But much of the information and insight circulating today regarding libraries in times of economic crisis reference the 2007–2009 “Great Recession” that followed the housing bubble burst. Multiple libraries had to reduce budgets and cut library staff during this time.
However, patron attendance only increased. As generational studies have shown, libraries tend to become busier in times of economic downturn. For instance, a 2019 article written for the Illinois Library Association provides a graph showing that public library visits increased sharply from 2007–2009 yet dropped almost as precipitously from 2010–2017.
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically slowed in-person library visits, but eBook circulation skyrocketed in North America and globally, according to eBook distributor OverDrive.
Libraries Are Welcoming, Accessible, and Free — Even in Hard Times
Markets may fluctuate, even when people’s incomes are in jeopardy. But public libraries and their staff virtually always come through in a pinch. They know they must meet people’s expectations at all costs. After all, they serve some of the country’s most at-risk individuals and families: the homeless, the mentally ill, and many others who struggle to get by.
In a 1933 radio broadcast (a collaboration with American Library Association secretary Carl Milam), one little-remembered civil servant from the early twentieth century proclaimed that:
The library exists to provide the means of self-education. Education is the interest of the state, and the educational institutions — school, libraries, universities — are engaged in the process of helping people to become intelligent members of society. In other words, society has a stake in what the library does. It is interested in having the library’s influence reach the largest number of people in the most effective way.
— H.L. Woolhiser (1888-?), City Manager (Illinois)
Roughly a century ago, people in prominent community positions like Woolhiser gave libraries the publicity and moral support needed to continue. It was especially the case during the Great Depression. At the time, people had scant resources, and many of the poorest lived in “Hoovervilles” (i.e., shantytowns or encampments).
But public libraries were there for them — as they have been ever since and hopefully will continue to be in years to come.
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