Library book use dropping

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1999 | 11:08 a.m.

The number of books being checked out at Las Vegas-Clark County libraries is dropping, except at the county jail where readership is blossoming, figures released Tuesday show.

Despite the declining circulation, the libraries are bursting at the seams and more buildings will be needed in the near future, officials say.

"What we've been experiencing is, almost every seat in the house is taken," Executive Director Daniel Walters said Tuesday after circulation figures revealed a district-wide drop in circulation of almost 20,000 this past January compared to January 1998.

The circulation, number of books checked out, last month was 421,756. A year ago 443,283 books were circulated.

Out of 26 places where library books are circulated, 20 of the locales showed decreases. Six had increases -- including the Metro jail, which increased from 19,553 to 22,984.

There also was an increase at the Salvation Army Day Shelter, according to the figures released by the library district. Circulation grew from 171 to 367.

Clark County's circulation figures rose steadily from the early 1980s through 1987, when circulation leveled off.

Walters said there are a number of reasons for the decline in circulation, which is reflective of a national trend.

Perhaps the most significant is the change in the way the library is used. Traditionally it has been a place where readers check out books.

Today, libraries have become more of a research resource center, with patrons using on-line computer service along with other high-tech equipment.

During the period that reflects the January decline in circulation, the number of patrons increased from 605,620 in the first month of 1998 to 670,806 last month.

Walters said the district will undertake a study within the next year looking at the library needs in areas where major growth is taking place.

"There are areas south and east of Spring Valley where 20,000 new homes are to be built. There is more building on BLM land and more in the northwest quadrant of the valley -- these areas will require more libraries," Walters said.

He noted that the district's existing facilities are the result of a building plan that is more than 10 years old.