Wednesday, January 19, 2011 - Library Systems Partakes In Statewide Snapshot Day Jan. 26

Did you know that more people visit Florida's public libraries each year than visit Florida's major theme parks? In 2009, almost 89 million people visited Florida's public libraries compared to a little more than 67 million visits to the major theme parks.

On Wednesday, Jan. 26, the St. Lucie County Library System will be participating in “Snapshot:  A Day in the Life of Florida Libraries.” This state-wide project, created and sponsored by the Florida Library Association, will illustrate the importance of libraries for Florida’s residents by taking pictures, collecting statistics and soliciting patron comments to document how Floridians are utilizing their libraries that day.

The St. Lucie County Library System serves the community with five branches plus the St. Lucie West Library, a cooperative facility with Indian River State College and Florida Atlantic University, as well as Books-by-Mail service for residents with medical, transportation and other Library access difficulties.

St. Lucie County Library Manager Susan Jacob emphasized the importance of libraries for all St. Lucie County residents: “I hope County residents visit their library that day to be counted.  Library Snapshot Day provides an opportunity to show our leaders and lawmakers what kind of results libraries deliver to our communities.”

On Snapshot Day, libraries will focus on their day-to-day services: There will be story hours, writing workshops and book club discussions. New materials will be processed and new patrons will register for their library cards. Patrons will check out books, audio books and DVDs. Depending on the time of day, it might be “standing room only” to get access to a computer to check e-mail, search for employment or download an income tax form. People will study for the GED, start to learn Spanish, do their science homework or find a good recipe for beef stew. Many patrons will come in simply to catch up on current events or to pass the time reading magazines.

For more details about St. Lucie County's Library System, including hours, locations and services/materials that are available, visit: http://library.stlucieco.gov.