A report by NBC 5 today highlighted some interesting trends in public library use, focusing on the success of mall libraries like Bookmarks at NorthPark. Since it opened about two years ago, Bookmarks has checked out as many items as branches eight times its size, and numbers increase every month. The library carries about 5,000 books and DVDs and has regular children’s programs every week, including up to 12 story times a week. Most other local branches have about two or three.
It’s not surprising that Bookmarks would do so well in a location that serves as a kind of focal point for families–whether for shopping, dining, movies, yoga classes or even just lounging around and enjoying the art and design. Why go out of your way to some other library branch? The article cites some other “amazing transformations” in libraries around the country, including one in New Jersey that doubles as a farmer’s market.
