Libraries becoming hot spots due to rainy days, recession

McDaid, of Melrose, a frequent attendee of library events, joined about 60 other children for the storytelling program, which featured sledding equipment and an opportunity to pet the animals. She said she appreciates that the library offers interesting, free programming.

“I like these because you don’t have to earn money to come,’’ she said.

Similar crowds are forming at libraries throughout the region. Due to the economic recession and poor weather, more children are filling their free time among the stacks. But, as usage rises, tight municipal budgets have forced librarians to become more resourceful in meeting the demand for services.

The Melrose sled-dog show was the first of 20 stops at Massachusetts libraries for Montanans Harry and Lela Schlitz. They have observed increased demand for their $500 program. Many libraries cover the expense through trustees, support groups, and business sponsorships to avoid tapping into municipal budgets, Harry Schlitz said.

The dogs are scheduled to visit libraries in Chelmsford tomorrow, Lawrence on Monday, Lynnfield on Tuesday, Westford on July 24, Rockport on July 29, and Parlin Memorial Library in Everett on Aug. 5.

Crowds at the libraries have varied based on the size of each venue but have been mostly sold out, he said.

“I want it standing-room-only because we’re trying to get people to take advantage of the libraries,’’ Schlitz said.

Melrose was no exception, as librarians distributed all 120 tickets for the event and had a lengthy waiting list, said Marianne Stanton, children’s librarian.

Reading programs are also popular, with 90 middle school and 800 elementary school children enrolled in less than two weeks. By the end of the summer, those programs typically attract 835 and 150 kids, respectively, Stanton said.

Summer-reading-list books are in great demand throughout the region as parents who previously purchased their children’s books elect to borrow rather than buy.

“You always get a burst with the eager beavers who want to get it, but it’s never been an atomic burst,’’ said Molly Hancock, coordinator of youth services at Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell. “I’ve been here 10 years and don’t ever remember it like this.’’

The library improved the young-adult space with new beanbag chairs and bolstered its summer teen programs with book decorating, a space program, and a balloon workshop, thanks to a $20,000 state “tweens and teens’’ grant, she said. The grant, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, is awarded to a handful of libraries each year.

“There are a lot of librarians who have looked at this as a great opportunity to do positive things with kids that were just hanging out,’’ said Beth Wade, the commissioners’ grant manager. This year’s six awardees, announced last week, included Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield and Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library.

In Gloucester, where teens have the beach on their doorsteps, librarians have not seen a significant increase in program attendance but book borrowing is up from previous summers, said Cindi Williams, the young-adult librarian at Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library.

“They come in and take out books, and I know they were at the beach because they come back sandy,’’ Williams said. Not all libraries have been as able to cope with the rising demand. Tewksbury cut funding for its teen librarian and, consequently, there is no teen program this summer. Some children’s crafts have been extended to 15-year-olds and there is still a teen volunteer program, said Noelle Couture, children’s librarian.

“It’s one of those interesting things where public services always tend to get cut when they are needed most,’’ Couture said. “The townspeople definitely realize the value [of the library] but every department is suffering.’’

At Chelsea Public Library, staff members coordinated with the school district months in advance to ensure they purchased an ample supply of summer-reading-list books before money became scarce at the end of the fiscal year.

Purchasing through a regional book co-op saved 46 percent off retail prices, said Robert Collins, the library’s director.

The library also sells required-reading books at discounted rates, a popular option among teens and parents who prefer their own copy but are also trying to save money.

“As soon as school was out - bingo, they were in,’’ said Collins of teenage patrons.

In Portsmouth, N.H., more than 20 teenagers volunteered to run the summer reading program, up from the normal six to eight teens, said Susan Brough, the supervisor of children’s services.

“Usually we have to go out and beg for them, but this year they’ve been coming to us,’’ Brough said.

The library is offering expanded programming including money management; recycled fashion with clothes from the Goodwill store; crafts with materials residents would otherwise throw away; and a local teen cartoonist.

Reading is also tapping into local talent as they host two authors whose books are on required-summer-reading lists.

“We don’t usually have summer author programs,’’ said Susan L. Beauregard, one of two young-adult librarians. “But they gave us a huge [financial] break.’’

Woburn Public Library staff relied heavily on local business donations for summer-reading raffle prizes including ice cream, bowling, and movie coupons, said Christi Showman Farrar, Woburn’s young-adult librarian.

Summer-reading books also moved quickly, with a third of the collection checked out at the end of June, a number typical for mid-July, she said.

“There seems to be a societal belief that teenagers aren’t reading,’’ Showman Farrar said. But “they really are coming in, taking out lots of books and participating, and this summer is proving that more than in the past.’’