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Report: Libraries Becoming Tech Hubs, Community Gathering Places

Melissa Hillier
/
Flickr

When it comes how people access information these days, American public libraries appear up to the challenge.

That’s according to the American Library Association’s annual State of America’s Libraries report released Tuesday.

Libraries are about more than just books. They’ve are increasingly used as community gathering places and technology hubs.

Jacksonville Public Library spokeswoman Kathy Lussier says that’s definitely the case in the River City.

“We hold weddings at the library. We have special events at the library,” Lussier said. “It’s a neighborhood gathering spot. It’s a great place for entrepreneurs to come and work together on their next bright idea.”

In fact, Lussier says, for every minute Jacksonville’s libraries were open last year, 21 people visited in person, 18 people used the website and 39 items were checked out.

Photo credit: Jacksonville Public Library, Main Branch by Melissa Hillier is used under CC BY 2.0.

Cyd Hoskinson began working at WJCT on Valentine’s Day 2011.