Letter to the Editor

Hello, Everyone
I'm about to send this letter off to the Kenosha News. It's a letter that summarizes the results of the Library Impact Survey. The last sentence invites people to visit their library to see how they can help. I thought I'd give you a heads up that the letter is going out, in case someone does ask how they can help. Here's the letter, and a list of the ways to suggest they can help.

Dear Editor:

Recently, the Kenosha Public Library conducted a survey to better understand how our community uses and benefits from free access to computers and the Internet at the library. The library offers 140 computers, wireless Internet, and assistance for all members of our

community. Of the survey respondents who reported visiting the library in the past year, 69% used a public access computer or the library's wireless network during their visits. Highlights from the survey include:

·         26% of public technology users indicated they had used public access technology for employment needs. 19% of users searched for a job online. 14% applied for a job by submitting a resume or filling out an online job application.

·         23% of public technology users used public technology for educational activities. 15% of users completed coursework or homework using public access technology.

·         27% of public technology users used library technology to get information on health and wellness topics. 18% of users reported learning about diet or nutrition; of those, 84% made a change to their diet.

·         31% of public technology users reported using library resources to stay in touch with family and friends and to build and maintain social networks.

·         57% of public access technology users also received help from a librarian when using the computers or Internet at the library. Of those users, 90% have access to the Internet at home, school, or work but still choose to use the library's technology. This shows the library offers critical resources and services even as people increasingly have their own Internet connections and devices.

These are only a few of the impacts from the library's public technology access and training. The future of our community depends on the Kenosha Public Library's ability to sustain the quality technology services that provide opportunities for all people. Let's make sure our library gets the support it needs to make this happen.

Visit the Kenosha Public Library to see how you can help.

Sincerely,

Barbara Brattin
Library Director
(262) 564-6324

Ten ways anyone can help:
1. Use the library! Our use statistics prove our worth to the city. (our budget comes from city tax dollars)  Don't forget we offer online resources from the comfort of home.
2. Donate money. We can always use more money for programs and collections.
3. Volunteer (We'll be creating a volunteer program this summer. If anyone expresses interest, take their name and contact information and include an idea of what they'd like to do. Pass this info on to me.)
4. Join the Friends of the Library. The Friends support our programs by holding two book sales a year and through lobby book and bag sales. Membership costs very little. Even better, work a book sale!
5. Call your Alderman and tell him/ her how important the library is to you.
6. Serve on the Library Board. (We'll have 2 openings in July.)
7. Serve on the Library Foundation Board.
8. Talk up the library in the community. Nothing like word of mouth to promote all the good things we do.
9. Write a Letter to the Editor expressing your appreciation for the library.
10. Invite me to speak at a meeting of your favorite organization. I love to talk :) and I really love to talk about libraries!