South Carolina Public Library Economic Impact Study - Illinois

purchase are appropriate for my students and that the items will be useful forthem.• My husband was diagnosed with a liver disease we had never heard of and Iwas able to check out books on this subject and learn valuable information. Ihave also had some health problems and was able to learn about them fromthe library. Any time I need to know about a medical condition, the library isthe first place I go.• Being able to borrow materials and not have to purchase them is a huge help.Having access to DISCUS has opened a world of information too.• Until I got my own computer, I used the library's resources. I still check outbooks on computers and various other subjects. Books are very expensive andI cannot afford to buy them. There is no doubt in my mind but that the libraryis and always has been a very important part of our community. Even theInternet cannot change that. For example, many of the genealogical websiteshave to be paid for. The Internet may be more convenient at times, but thelibrary is free.• Although I don't currently travel long distances to get to work, I have used thelibrary's audio book collection to fill my travel time. Books on Tape wouldhave been very expensive if I would have had to purchase them myself andthen listened to them once; however, the beauty of the library is that thecounty purchases those items once and all library card patrons benefit.LAURENS• I take tests for my college courses online here, and I also check and read myemails. Which sooner or later will help me get my degree, and make better$.This also helps me right now because I can't afford Internet @ home!• Having access to the Internet. Having the Internet at the library has helpedpeople who cannot afford to buy a computer. This is only public access that Iknow of that people can access the Internet for people who cannot affordcomputers at home.• Learning and education always contributes to economic improvement. I havebeen able to obtain information on Colleges and have found reference aids tohelp in my personal education (Spanish). I also find many aids for thehomeschooling education of my two children, which has been invaluable andultimately will add to the economic development of them.• Having access to a wide range of books and videos. Books can be veryexpensive. Buying a wide range of books for their children or for themselvesis way too expensive for most middle-income people. Even being a memberof a book club can be very expensive. Most books cost at least $15.00 whenbought from a book club even at 50% off because of the shipping andhandling charges. I think most people would agree that children need to beexposed to a wide range of books to increase their general knowledge of theworld as well as increase their reading ability.South Carolina Public Library Economic Impact Study 43