Public libraries have come under pressure recently to modernize and diversify their offering in an age where people can download books to their smart phones and get any question answered with a Google search.
But even as library directors plot ways to ensure the relevance of the public library in the 21st century, public demand for library services remains high, said public library directors Paula Kiely and Kelly Krieg-Sigman.
"Wisconsin ranks 10th in per capita circulation, but 21st for both total operating revenue and total operating expenditures per capita," according to 2012 figures from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
"Given the financial situation that our cities and states are in, while our budget may not have grown tremendously over the years, we have been proud to say that even during the hardest budgetary times, we never closed a library," said Kiely of the Milwaukee Public Library.
However, Krieg-Sigman of the La Crosse Public Library said in order for her to continue to operate three locations, a proposal to merge the La Crosse Public Library and La Crosse County Public Library seems to be the answer from her community.
"The fundamental reasons for a public library has not changed," she said. "No matter how wired we get, there is always going to be a need for a neutral public place where people can come together face-to-face in productive ways."
Kiely agreed, adding that while libraries don't have an awareness problem, people may not be aware of just how relevant the library is to them, likening them to more of a community center that offers all types of community programming. Events at the Milwaukee Public Library include everything from basic computer classes, to help in getting a job, to children's activities like their recent haunted house.
"So many families, I think, have for one reason or another, not been to the library in a while, and we want them back," said Kiely. "We want them in the library using all of the things that are here for them."
