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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Libraries see benefits

Melissa Osborn checks out books for her 3-year-old daughter Suzanna, right, at the Valley Library in Spokane Valleylast Thursday. Circulation as well as Internet and software-station use has increased at the library since last year, and patrons have been taking advantage of the new materials and services available. (Holly Pickett / The Spokesman-Review)
Sandra Babcock Correspondent
Melissa Osborn checks out books for her 3-year-old daughter Suzanna, right, at the Valley Library in Spokane Valleylast Thursday. Circulation as well as Internet and software-station use has increased at the library since last year, and patrons have been taking advantage of the new materials and services available. (Holly Pickett / The Spokesman-Review)

Going to the library just got easier, thanks to voters in the Spokane County Library District, who passed a levy lid lift in November 2006.

The ballot measure enabled the libraries to maintain service levels and provide enhancements, such as longer operating hours and new materials.

Beth Gillespie, a library district communications specialist, notes that since February, 3,615 downloadable audiobooks have been checked out through the district’s Web site (www.scld.org) with 709 put on hold; overall circulation is up 5 percent; there’s been a 12 percent increase in Internet use. Because the materials purchasing budget increased 8.4 percent, books, audiobooks in CD and MP3 format, DVDs and music are readily available for library patrons.

“We’re grateful to the voters who helped us not only maintain the level of services we’ve been offering, but gave us the opportunity to enhance the services our customers have been requesting – more open hours, more materials, more access,” said Ellen Miller, regional branch manager.

Under a reciprocal agreement with Spokane Public Library, “library services are provided at no charge to residents of each service area,” Gillespie said. “Spokane County District connects community members of all ages with library resources, promoting the value and pleasure of reading and lifelong learning.

SCLD operates 10 branch libraries outside the city of Spokane, including Airway Heights, Argonne, Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield, Medical Lake, Moran Prairie, North Spokane, Otis Orchards and Spokane Valley.

Patrons using the district’s Web site can check out materials or put them on hold when they become available. Audiobooks can be downloaded from the Web site to an MP3 player or burned onto a CD. There are also links specifically designated for children, young adults and adults.

“After more than 20 years with the district, it’s still exciting to be able to work together with and give back to the people in our communities and have such positive results,” Miller said.