On, Thursday April 12, Martha’s Vineyard libraries will join libraries across the Commonwealth and the nation to provide a “snapshot” of what happens in a day in the life of libraries. How many books are checked out? How many people receive help finding a job? Doing their taxes? Doing their homework? During Snapshot Day, libraries will collect data and photos that help demonstrate the value of libraries and raise public awareness that libraries are busier than ever.
Everyone can participate just by doing their regular library business, such as using the Internet, checking out books, doing research, or attending a program. Programs at the Vineyard Haven Library will include afterschool crafts for children ages 5 and up at 3:30 pm, and a screening of a popular new release movie at 6 pm. Children ages 3-5 can attend story time at 10:30 am. at the Edgartown Library or West Tisbury Library.
New this year is online participation. Patrons can go to mass.gov/libraries and post comments about the ways they use the library. “With so many people using our online resources, we wanted to include them in the fun.” Last year residents downloaded more than 9 million articles from trusted library resources.
Nationally, Snapshot Day is supported by the American Library Association which will compile state data to provide a national look at a day in the life of libraries. Busy days are the norm at libraries across the state. Over the past decade, libraries in Massachusetts have experienced a dramatic surge in usage, including a 50% increase in library visits and a 29% increase in circulation.
Massachusetts Library Snapshot Day is presented by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Regional Library System, the Massachusetts Library Association, the Massachusetts School Library Association, and Boston Public Library. Visit: mass.gov/libraries or contact your local library for more information.
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