Chicago Public Libraries Expect Record Circulation In '09

By Jake Guidry in News on Dec 29, 2009 10:00PM

Circulation in 2009 for Chicago Public Libraries is expected to be record-breaking, surpassing the mark set just a year ago in 2008. CPL officials said Monday that 9.2 million items were checked out through November, a pace likely to beat the 9.8 million total items checked out in 2008. The back-to-back record-breaking years is a nod to the lasting economic troubles in the area, as Chicagoans continue to look for low-cost forms of entertainment. Librarians have also reported an increase in the usage of their services, including resume building and school application guidance. Unfortunately for the libraries, despite the record usage, the economic crunch will bring a cut in hours and services for most of the city's branches in 2010.