Rockford Public Library serves a diverse audience and provides a level playing field for people of all economic backgrounds to learn and grow in a safe and welcoming environment. A recent study by the Urban Libraries Council reported that the return on investment in public libraries not only benefits individuals, but also strengthens a community’s capacity to address urgent issues related to economic development. Additionally, public libraries have long been recognized as one of the most important community institutions for adult and child literacy development. Each year the Library presents over 700 free cultural and educational programs for the community. These programs promote lifelong learning and are presented in both English and Spanish. In 2007 more than 1,500 people participated in our annual One Book, One Rockford program and the Summer Reading Club enrolled a staggering 10,450 participants. Additional services include outreach to area schools, daycare centers, senior citizen centers and community centers.
My guess is (it will be) about 300 years until computers are as good as, say, your local reference library in search.
Craig Silverstein, director of technology, Google.com |
Our History
Rockford Public Library was formed in 1872. The Library’s main facility was constructed in 1903, with assistance of a grant from Andrew Carnegie. Today the Library is comprised of the main facility and five branch libraries – Lewis Lemon, Montague, Northeast, Rock River and Rockton Centre – and serves the informational needs of over 155,000 people. |
 |
Did You Know?
- The Library system circulated
over 1.6 million items last year.
- Over 1 million people visited a Rockford Public Library location
last year.
- According to a study called
“Summer Learning & the Effects
of Schooling”, Summer Reading
Club participation was more
predictive of vocabulary gains than participation in summer school.
- Public computer sign-ups are up
47%, the highest ever. A recent
study reports that 70% of patrons
who use library computers do not
have a computer in their home.
- The average Rockford resident
checked out 11 items from the
Library last year.
- The Library employs 138 full and
part-time staff.
|
|
