By Becky Polaski

Staff Writer

The recent economic decline that has let to an increased number of area residents utilizing some of the free services offered throughout the area. As a result, there has been an increase in usage at the St. Marys, Johnsonburg and Ridgway public libraries. 

St. Marys Public Library Director Scarlette Corbin noted that on average 200 people utilize the library on a daily basis.

In particular the computer usage at the library has increased.

“There are a lot of people who are laid off and are in here looking for jobs and creating resumes,” Corbin said. “I would say it has increased and our circulation has been on the rise.”

Johnsonburg Public Library Director Bonnie Houge stated that there has been an increase of patrons utilizing that library as well.

“It is the same here because of people who are laid off, out of work, or can’t find work,” Houge said. “With a lot of companies you have to apply online for jobs.”

Houge explained that the poor economic conditions impacting the area have led to many residents doing away with internet access in their homes and so the resources available at the library are particularly beneficial for them.

“Some of the things that people have to get rid of when they don’t have extra resources are their own internet access, so we are seeing more and a lot of people come in and utilize our online resources for filing for unemployment and things like that,” Houge added.

Ridgway Public Library Director Lann Yurchick noted that she has also seen an increase in library usage due to the decline in the economy.

While the Ridgway Public Library has seen an increase in their computer usage, Yurchick added that there was one other area in which they have seen an increase in patrons.

“We’ve noticed an increase in reading also,” she said.