Money makes the library world go round

The South Huntington Public Library (recently in the spotlight for their audiobook-on-an-iPod-Shuffle service) was highlighted by The Book Standard.  Since the library moved into its new, larger facilitly, they've been able to house more materials and hold more events.  Director Ken Weil says: "We have everything from French cooking classes to parenting classes." And bully for them...truly.

I was a bit surprised, though, to read that this 250,000 volume, 43,000 sq.ft., 75-staff-member library serves a town of only 10,000 residents.  Wow.  Perhaps if all public libraries had that kind of space, staff, and materials money, we devote more energy to expanding our community services to this degree.  The main branch of our library system serves over 18,000 people with only 103,000 volumes, 13,000 square feet, and 13 staff members.

Cause for thought.