(function(window, document, version, callback) { var j, d; var loaded = false; if (!(j = window.jQuery) || version > j.fn.jquery || callback(j, loaded)) { var script = document.createElement("script"); script.type = "text/javascript"; script.src = "http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.4.4/jquery.min.js"; script.onload = script.onreadystatechange = function() { if (!loaded && (!(d = this.readyState) || d == "loaded" || d == "complete")) { callback((j = window.jQuery).noConflict(1), loaded = true); j(script).remove(); } }; document.documentElement.childNodes[0].appendChild(script) } })(window, document, "1.5", function($, jquery_loaded) { $('#alawidget').prepend(''); $('#alawidget').append('

LibrariUSHow are you using the library today?

Who is asking?

LibrariUS is a co-production of American Public Media's Public Insight Network (PIN), the American Library Association (ALA) and its division, the Public Library Assocation (PLA). The purpose of this project is to explore the information and other needs of communities through the lens of local libraries.

PIN is a nonprofit network of more than 100,000 people around the country who share their insights, knowledge and experiences with trusted journalists in hopes of making news coverage more relevant, transparent and trustworthy. It was founded eight years ago by American Public Media, the second largest producer and distributor of public radio programming and the largest owner of public radio stations in the nation.

ALA is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 61,000 members. The nonprofit organization promotes libraries and information services, and librarianship internationally, to ensure that everyone has access to information.

PLA is a division of the ALA. PLA's core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.

Betty in Deerfield Beach, Fla. says library services have been her lifeline after losing her job two years ago. "Living alone and without income is not easy. The library has become a very important place for me."
Susan from Highlands Ranch, Colo. says, "I'm looking for a book that my son needs for elementary school since the school didn't have enough copies. And yes! The library had the book he needed."
Jayashree in Minneapolis, Minn. says, "I came to the U.S. as an international student and felt quite home sick for the first few months. I had not made friends and was quite miserable when I discovered the public library system. Having free and fast access to books was a life saver."
Chris in Salt Lake City, Utah says, "The downtown public library is the first place I bring new visitors to the city. It's gorgeous. It's really a community hub, so I come here all the time on weekends just to wander around, see what's going on, hunker down with homework, or paw through books and CDs."
Steven in San Diego, Calif. says, "I found several amazing books on graphic design, fashion design, and making books by hand — so I checked those out. I'm trying to teach myself these activities.
Casey in Federal Way, Wash. says, "Like many families today our budget is tight and we mostly just have room for the essentials. So if it were not for the local library we wouldn't be able to let our children explore and find their own taste in literature. We wouldn't be able to make researching for that school assignment a fun expedition or get a movie for family movie night."

'); function doRotate(){ setInterval(function(){ $('div#alarotator ul li').filter(':visible').fadeOut(500,function(){ if($(this).next('div#alarotator ul li').size()){ $(this).next().fadeIn(500); } else{ $('div#alarotator ul li').eq(0).fadeIn(500); } }); },10000); }; doRotate(); $().jquery; });