Fewer dollars, more demands on public libraries
Web Producer: Alexandra Sutter
PHOENIX (AP) - A national study indicates public libraries are faced with greater demands while receiving fewer financial resources during hard economic times.
The Philadelphia-based Pew Charitable Trust says library spending per capita is only $24 in Phoenix compared to a high of $101 per capita in San Francisco.
The number of library computers available per 10,000 residents in Phoenix is 3.5 compared to 17.1 in Seattle.
The Pew Charitable Trust report finds that libraries have become multipurpose community centers by helping residents with limited incomes and education find jobs.
Others are helped by obtaining health information and immigrants go there to learn English.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.