South Carolina Public Library Economic Impact Study - Illinois

personal and professional growth and well being. The personnel at theWestminster Branch of the Oconee Library are Tops.ORANGEBURG• One of the most important economic benefits I believe that the library hasprovided is as much open access to information or services to everyone whoresides in the community because obtaining a library card is free and is notcontingent upon someone's ability to pay in order to receive one. Obtaining alibrary card is mainly a mere matter of meeting the minimum requirements ofcounty residency to become entitled to making use of the library's informationand services offered.• Research by use of computer access, which would have otherwise not beenavailable, allowed me to win a lawsuit and keep my home. I had been a victimof fraud. I was able to locate and bring vindication and financial resources tothe situation. It also allowed me to reinstate credit losses and secure a morestable future. The computers and books helped me develop some ideas, whichI will be using in an ongoing business development.• I was able to use the computer and Internet Services in the computer Lab,when my home computer crashed. I was also able to go to class online, doassignments, and meet due dates for assignments. (2) Check on the progress ormy Small Business account. (3) Get information on fundraising. (4) Orderhealth supplies online.• As a senior citizen with limited funds, I could not get a computer of my own.The library made it possible to take advantage of business and learningopportunities to enhance my limited funds and live a better lifestyle.• By providing foreign language study books, the library has helped meimprove my marketability and gives me the ability to seek higher paying job.• Since I am retired, the main economic benefit I receive from the library isreally indirect. The general well-being and future of this community dependson education of our young people. Libraries appeal to young people bymaking education a fun, hands-on experience.• Medically my health was getting worse and the cost was rising. Advice thatI've read and applied has made a dramatic improvement in my health care.PICKENS• My 6-year-old son and I come to this library three times a week. We work onhis homework and read several books per visit. I think that it is vitallyimportant that children gain a full understanding of how regular visits to thelibrary can benefit them. It is too easy to place a child in front of a television,or a video game, as an electronic babysitter. I feel that parents that do that losevaluable opportunities to connect with their children on several levels. Andtheir children don’t gain a full understanding of the importance of reading andmiss the chance to realize the importance that the library can have in theirlives.• Helping me find markets for horses I raise - also care & training issues. I amstill actively raising horses. Locating rare books and markets for some I have.South Carolina Public Library Economic Impact Study 47