FAIRMONT - As the bottom dropped out of the economy last fall, more people starting turning to resources offered at the Martin County Library.
First-year library director Jenny Jepsen shared an annual report with Martin County commissioners Tuesday.
"We had 132,000 visits to the Martin County libraries, which is up a few thousand from the previous year," Jepsen said. "About 16,000 people used the public computer access and about 180,000 items were checked out."
The statistics are countywide, and include library branches in Sherburn, Trimont, Truman and Welcome.
Online activity was busy for the system too. The official Web site - www.martincountylibrarysystem.org - had about 60,000 Web page views.
While summertime is usually considered the busiest time for the library with children's reading programs and entertainment, the libraries became even busier in the fall.
"In September, we saw a 23 percent increase in usage from the previous year," Jepsen said. "In October, we saw a 16 percent increase. In November, we saw a 12 percent increase, and in December, we saw a 31 percent increase. December is usually one of our slowest months."
Jepsen said the increase included everything from computer usage, to more borrowing of books, music and DVDs.
"We have people checking out DVDs because they are giving up their Netflix," Jepsen said. "We have people who would just drive up to Barnes and Noble to buy a book that aren't doing that anymore. First, the gas prices were too high to drive up there, and now they just aren't purchasing the books."
In hard times, simply borrowing a book or DVD for a few weeks with no charge certainly has its appeal. There is no charge to obtain a library card.
Jepsen also pointed out the other "freebies" offered by the library this past year, including weekly summer movies for the kids, along with other special activities aimed at younger children and teens.
"We are very proud of the things we've done with the library system," Jepsen said. "We hope to be able to continue this same level of service to the people of Martin County."
In other business, commissioners approved bids for the removal of a culvert that was once a part of Judicial Ditch 1.
Landowners are in support of the removal because it is no longer used as a crossing.
Bids will be opened at the Feb. 17 meeting.
Commissioners also approved the purchase of a used van for the Veterans Service Office. The van is a replacement for a predecessor totaled in an accident near Lake Crystal last month.
No injuries were reported from the accident.
Also, commissioners accepted $10,496 in donations to the Veterans Service Office received in 2008.