What’s the Library Worth to You?
Spring’s arrived at the Edgewater Branch Library even if it’s a little slow arriving in Chicago!
Whether or not you’re a frequent visitor to the library, you may want to try this calculator to find out what the library is worth to you. It automatically will determine the value of the number of books, movies, computer visits, or any other resources you borrowed.
Since I save my borrowing history on Chicago Public Library’s website, it was easy to input the numbers for books, movies, interlibrary loans, and audiobooks that I borrowed last year. I also added the number of Edgewater Branch Library programs I attended virtually. To be clear, I input only those programs hosted by the library and did not include Friends of the Edgewater Library programs.
I was astounded at the total amount. In 2021, the library’s value to me was $2,173!
So, what’s the library worth to you?
In the stacks at the Edgewater Branch Library.
Edgewater Branch 2021 data
We know the community values the library. Did you know the Edgewater Branch is the busiest branch library in the city? Here’s a look at last year’s data.
Circulation – 127,737 (after only Harold Washington Library and Sulzer Regional Library).
Holds – 118,894 (after only Harold Washington Library and Sulzer Regional).
Computer sessions – 17,329 (after Harold Washington Library and Woodson Regional).
The Edgewater Branch Library Staff
“Connect with Your Library”
Friends of the Edgewater Library is all about connecting the community with the library and, as it happens, that was the theme of this year’s National Library Week, April 3-9.
“Connect with Your Library” promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers, and other resources.
Libraries also offer opportunities to connect with media, programs, ideas, and classes — in addition to books. Most importantly, libraries also connect communities to each other.
Staff members at the Edgewater Branch are an asset in furthering this important connection and strengthening our community. Check out this article to see what libraries do beyond the obvious.
Useful links in the post
Blog post and photos by Joanne Kitsos
Co-chair, Communications Committee
Friends of the Edgewater Library