Books And More At The Library

By Chad Petri Reporter

Mobile Public Libraries are putting a renewed emphasis on “alternative media.” Much of the collection consists of A-V materials. Books And More At The Library

Published: Thu, August 14, 2008 - 4:49 am Last Updated: Thu, August 14, 2008 - 5:36 am

Chad Petri

Traditionally, a trip to the library involves looking through stacks of books for whatever's available. Mobile's public libraries are expanding the selection.

“The libraries that are doing well across the country are the libraries that are evolving,” says Mobile Public Library Publicity Manager Amber Guy. At the Ben May Main Library in Midtown, 30% of its collection is tied up in alternative media. That includes things like audio books and DVD’s.

“We are recognizing that people are not coming to the library just for books anymore they are they are wanting to get DVDs,” says Guy.

DVDs aren't limited to PBS documentaries, many are new releases. A week-long borrow period costs a dollar, but TV discs are free. Publicity manager amber guy says patrons are looking for free and low cost things to do. Circulation is up system wide. Ben May sees about 1000 visitors a day. The library also has a limited selection of graphic novels and video games. This is so teenagers are lured back to the library.

“Maybe people who would have stopped coming to the library because they had gotten older, but transitioning to teen books,” says Guy. She says the free internet access is another alternative media draw. The library system spends more than 50-thousand dollars a year for access to special databases for research. Guy says they're pleased to see more traffic.