download printable PDF: 2 page flyer
- 10. Libraries serve everyone. In 2006, there were 3,461,141 visits to libraries in South Dakota. That is 1,461,370 more people then visited Mount Rushmore.
- 9. Libraries are places of opportunity. They help people of all ages and backgrounds to lead better, more satisfying lives. People can access the Internet, check out a book or video, join a book discussion group, the list is endless.
- 8. Libraries are great places for kids. Starting with picture books and story hour and continuing with summer reading and other programs, the library opens the door to learning, imagination, and wonder. Kids learn both the thrill and responsibility of owning their own "charge card"–one that lets them borrow books, movies, music, games and more. In 2006, 187,753 children participated in 6,281 library programs and 44,169 participated in the summer reading program. 1,730,933 items were checked out of libraries by children.
- 7. Libraries bring you the world. In 2006, South Dakota libraries owned a total of 2,999,765 items including 111,696 audios, 119,085 videos, and 5,026 magazines. These items were borrowed 5,279,554 times. South Dakota libraries provided access to 682 computers, which received 728,335 uses.
- 6. Libraries help us lead better lives. Libraries inform citizens—the public library is the only institution… whose purpose is to guard against the tyrannies of ignorance and conformity, and its existence indicates the extent to which a democratic society values knowledge, truth, justice, books, and culture.
- 5. Libraries promote literacy. Libraries promote a lifelong reading habit starting with story times for preschoolers and continuing with special collections and programs for teens. Many libraries offer book discussion groups, large print books for the elderly, presentations by authors and other book-themed programming for children and adults, as well as literacy classes for adults. South Dakota libraries also collaborate with local literacy councils and provide assistance for English as a Second Language citizens. In 2006, South Dakota libraries provided 6,281 children’s programs and 837 programs for adults.
- 4. Libraries are essential to education. From cradle to grave libraries support lifelong learning. Libraries provide books, classes and other resources to help us keep learning. "Tuition" is free. All it takes is a library card. In addition to materials, and programming, in 2006, librarians answered 525,384 reference questions for the citizens of South Dakota.
- 3. Public libraries are partners for vibrant and educated communities. They provide a dynamic array of resources, services and programming that help make their communities attractive, vital places for businesses and their employees. Libraries are an anchor for downtown revitalization and a cultural center for the entire community.
- 2. Libraries have librarians! Librarians teach children the joy of reading and seniors how to surf the ‘Net. They save time and money by helping to find the best, most current information for your needs—in print or online. Librarians are the ultimate search engines.
- AND THE NUMBER 1 REASON TO SUPPORT LIBRARIES:
1. Libraries are a great value. Check out a couple of novels and audio books, some picture books for the kids, some CDs and DVDs and the savings quickly add up. At the average cost of $23.50 for a hardcover book and $19.95 for a video, checking out two books and two videos would cost $86.90. What did you pay for your last library card?