South Carolina Public Library Economic Impact Study - Illinois

I feel more confident that I am making responsible purchase decisions withthe organization's money. (3) When traveling, or when my eyes are troublingme, I am able to continue reading by borrowing audio books. Most of thebooks, which I borrow, would be beyond my budget to purchase.• The library has provided books, newspapers and magazines that have beenenormously helpful to my career as a journalist. Books and magazines onpersonal finance also have been useful and have contributed materially to mypersonal financial well-being. In addition, I've enjoyed using travel books andmagazines to enhance my enjoyment of vacations. Fiction and other generalinterest newspapers, magazines and books have given me many hours ofpersonal fulfillment. The library, in short, is an invaluable communityresource: a vital component of the community's educational infrastructure, astrong supporter of the local economy and an important part of thiscommunity's overall quality of life. I hope South Carolina's local and stateleaders place a priority not on limiting but rather on expanding library servicesin our communities.GREENWOOD• The Library's information on developing financial plans is invaluable. Thebooks, magazines, and Internet information helped me create a workablepractical budget, and it was all free. I could never afford to buy the books orsubscribe to the magazines I used at the library. I have the Internet at home,and I used the DISCUS thing to help narrow my search when I was lookingfor legitimate information. I've learned you can't believe everything you readon the Internet.• I cannot afford a computer or the Internet. This library is very beneficial topeople like me, who are on low incomes when they need these types ofbenefits available.• Access to medical reports, current reading material such as magazines that Icannot afford to purchase. Computers are available for my younger familymembers to learn hand/eye coordination skills. They can also play games, useInternet to research school projects if they need to.HORRY• The most specific economic advantage that I have received through the PublicLibrary System is the ability to read books and view movies at no cost.However I feel that this advantage goes well beyond economics. It has helpedto provide family reading and increased family time together.• The library allows me to save money. It provides me with entertainmentthrough books, I have learned about buying a home and car, and I have beenable to learn about health issues without having to visit a doctor.• I used the library when receiving my Master's Degree. I just feel that thenumber of libraries per capita in a given area is one of the key indicators ofthat area's economic and general well-being.• I like to read and before moving to South Carolina bought novels of myfavorite authors. We are now retired and I cannot really afford to buy as manySouth Carolina Public Library Economic Impact Study 41