Today's public library is quite different from 10 years ago, thanks to the Internet and public access computers, as aptly described in "Libraries Wired, and Reborn" in the New York Times. Remember when libraries were supposed to become obsolete since everything would be on the Internet? Best guesses are that 1-3% of available content can be accessed on the Internet, which means at least 97% is still found in traditional books, databases, paper based formats, microfiche, and such, all of which are found in libraries. In addition, access to Internet requires both hardware and a connection, which may not be available in the home or business, as I found out while serving on a Little League baseball board.

Enter the new public library, with an expanded mission to provide access to information using technology. Rather than decreasing library usage, the Internet has actually substantially increased library usage, with public access computers a major factor to draw in new patrons. According to the article, 95% of public libraries now have PC's for public access, many aided by grants from the Gates Foundation to rural and low income communities. My experience is that those PCs are very busy, with a typical 30 minute limit per person. It has brought in a whole new community: teenagers without any other access, over 50's just learning to use the Internet, minorities who can't afford computers. Once there, the reference librarians can assist with search strategies, including paper based access to information. Once inside the building, these new patrons can discover the wealth of DVDs, CD's. books in foreign languages and local and international newspapers. and typically, there are popular literacy and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, without fees.

In highly wired Silicon Valley, in my city of Cupertino, a new public library will open this fall, the largest civic project ever undertaken. A new city library just opened in Santa Clara to lines of waiting patrons, and the San Jose Library audaciously combined a public library with an academic library. Lots of public access computers, and even more laptop connections at tables and workstations, are key features, as well as community and project rooms. The children's reading rooms also have computers, for use by parents as well as the younger patrons.

Yet this very demand creates its own problems. Public library funding is an easy target for cost-cutting by politicians unfamiliar with the new library community. The public library constituency is not vocal or wealthy, so getting adequate operating funds is a continuing struggle. Just as I have become active in public library advocacy, won't each of you support your local public library in getting more funding?