At the same time, Web page use more than doubled to 102.7 million views from both within the libraries, which have waiting lines to use computers in addition to advance sign-ups, and from remote locations. In 2008 there were 41.2 million library Web page views.
Choice attributed that to several factors.
"There are people who have discontinued their Internet at home to save money," Choice said.
But they still go online to check e-mail, shop, do research, scour job postings and read news on the library's free computers.
More people seem to be using the libraries' computers for job hunting, Choice said. An increasing number of businesses accept job applications electronically only. Applicants are polishing their resumes online in the library, and the library has online resume-writing help as well as programs for job-seekers.
It is up to each library branch to decide what programs to curtail. The library system is not laying off workers or shutting branches.
Much the way other county agencies have independent groups that privately raise money for them, the Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation was formed about three years ago to help pay for improvements that are beyond the means of the county.
So far, said Laurie Hayes, library spokeswoman, it has raised about $75,000, including grants for the annual summer reading program and to enhance the children's area in one library.
About the library system
Materials circulation
FY09: 5,677,253
FY08: 5,420,659
FY05: 5,302,767
Door count
FY09: 2,943,856
FY08: 3,010,851
FY05: 2,815,127
Views of AACPL Web pages
FY09: 102,707,907
FY08: 41,201,523
FY05: 25,597,267
Program attendance
FY09: 61,453
FY08: 57,917
FY05: 28,776
Budget
FY 2008: Operating - $15,804,900; Capital - $3,542,000
FY 2009: Operating - $17,022,300; Capital - $2,687,000
FY 2010: Operating - $14,889,300; Capital - $2,050,000
Source: Anne Arundel County Public Library
