Here For You
Your library is a remarkable resource
by Connie J. Bennett
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As the saying goes, “Libraries will get you through times with no money better than money will get you through times with no libraries” (Anne Herbert).
During this economic downturn, many national news stories have reported on the upsurge in use of public libraries. Relatedly, libraries are cited as models of sustainable resource-sharing. In fact, the Sierra Club has named The Library Book as one of “Seven Wonders for a Cool Planet: Everyday Things to Help Solve Global Warming.” (The others are The Clothesline, The Bicycle, The Ceiling Fan, The Microchip, The Condom and The Real Tomato. Impressive company!)
Fortunately, Eugeneans are famously supportive of Eugene Public Library (EPL). So in honor of National Library Week (April 13-17), we knew you’d appreciate learning about these small, everyday ways you can help your library continue to help you — and your neighbors — while making the best use of every taxpayer penny.
Get online. Log into your library card account 24/7 to check due dates, renew loans and pay fines and fees by credit card. Find EPL online at
www.eugene-or.gov/library
Hold it. EPL handles about 10,000 requests weekly (that’s not a typo). When you’re coming up on a week with too much to read, too much to do or out of town plans, log into your account and “suspend” some of your hold requests. Your name will continue to climb the list, but the requests won’t be filled until you “reactivate” them.
Look within. Before you check out or return audiobooks, CDs and DVDs, open the case to make sure all items are in there — and that they belong to EPL, not to your video store, sister or school.
Take care. Hold DVDs and CDs by their sides. Close books when you’re not reading them.
Be an outsider. The return slots outside the building are faster — use them to save your time and staff time. Place items on the belt one at a time.
Speak up. Tell us if you find something wrong: an audiobook with one CD missing, a book with coffee stains, a DVD that skips. It takes the whole community’s eyes and ears to keep our shared resources in good condition.
Keep the peace. Lower your voice, especially on cell phones. Many people look to the library for quiet respite, now more than ever.
Bring the books. If a relative, friend or neighbor can’t visit EPL due to health issues, she or he can name you to borrow and deliver. Ask for more info at Cards & Accounts.
Volunteer. Keep books in order, help people use computers and more. Most positions are two hours weekly with a six-month commitment; minimum age 14.
Ask anytime. For more information about these tips, please ask in person or by phone: 682-5450. Of course, visit or call whenever you need information about anything. We’re your library. And we’re here for you.
Connie J. Bennett is director of the Eugene Public Library.
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519