The libraries in Stanislaus County saw more usage in the last year, despite the cutbacks caused by a 10 percent cut to funding, according to Stanislaus County Librarian Vanessa Czopek, who gave the library’s annual report to the Turlock City Council Tuesday night.
The report for the 2008-09 year included information about library usage and new programs being developed at the Stanislaus County branch libraries.
“The library has a real impact on real people suffering in this recession,” Czopek said. “Every service that we offer leads to a better and more productive society as a whole,” Czopek said.  Czopek said 65.8 percent of all Turlock residents have Stanislaus County Library cards and that over 10,000 parents and children attended 189 free events held at the Turlock branch of the Stanislaus County Library. She said there has been an overall increase in the number of materials checked out and the use of library computers.
Stanislaus County libraries are funded by a 1/8 cent sales tax. County residents will have to vote in 2012 to renew that tax. Czopek urged Turlockers to support the continuation of the sales tax.
“Thank you for recognizing the importance of your library and investing your tax dollars in it,” Czopek said.
Nancy Jewett, president of Friends of the Turlock Library, thanked the community for their support of the library.
“I know how much the library means to so many families in our community,” Jewett said.
The full 2008-2009 report can be found at the Stanislaus County Library’s Web site, www.stanislauslibrary.org. The site also provides information about upcoming library events, hours, and library card acquisition.
To contact Andrea Goodwin, e-mail agoodwin@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2003.