The struggles in today's economy have libraries enjoying more business than ever.
Looking into an average person's wallet, you are now more likely to find a library card than a credit card.
People are now using these cards to check out not only books, but audio books, music and DVD's, many of which are popular new releases, at no cost. Your card can also help you gain access to free internet provided by the library.
Although these amenities seem insignificant to many, at the national and local level more people are resorting to using their library card each day to keep themselves from spending money.
"There has been a surge of people getting library cards to use," said Dianne Vallentine, electronic services librarian at the Auburn Public Library.
This increase may seem seasonal as the summer always draws crowds of children and their parent's, but Vallentine believes the library is seeing a new group of people.
"Many are checking on unemployment and applying for jobs (online)," said Vallentine. "Some have never even used a computer."
Thanks to services like access to free Wi-Fi as well as the free internet available on public computers, more people are able to experience this technology and utilize its benefits.
The discovery of these helpful tools by the public has come at a perfect time as many local job sites are now requiring their applications be submitted online.
"Some people even go to school (online)," said Susan Delmas, Director of Opelika's Lewis Cooper Junior Memorial Library.
This increase can also be seen as a direct effect of the economy and has local libraries are running into new problems.
"It started around January when we noticed that we didn't have enough staff," said Delmas. "Then there was not a lot of parking. Now our lot stays full."
At Auburn's Public Library you can find resume guides, career guides and even reference guides helping you to find and obtain the best job possible.
While providing for adults seeking employment, the library also provides resources to help those still in school or who have gone back to school to improve their resume. The library does this by providing online homework help and a program called Learn-A-Test for those who want extra help when it comes to school and getting their grades up.
"People who have lost jobs are now able to go into new jobs with better abilities," Vallentine said.
Librarians know that it is the economy that may be responsible for this increase in using public libraries, local librarians don't see any end in sight.
"History has an ebb and flow dealing with the economy," said Tyler Whitten, Assistant Director of the Auburn Public Library. "But I'm optimistic people have found these technological resources and will continue to use them for a while."
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