Libraries see increase in demand

Local public libraries around the county are reporting a steady increase in the use of their services.

The North Jefferson County Libraries, in Clancy and Montana City, have seen a 7% increase this fiscal year in items checked out, according to Director Carly Delsigne. Delsigne said all categories of materials showed increased usage — including a 10% increase in circulation of children’s materials, and a 38% increase in the use of digital materials. 

“We saw a 6% increase in attendance, so we averaged 29 items and 50 people each hour in the last fiscal year,” Delsigne told The Monitor in an email.