Do you find this in your area--or is it just places like California, Florida, Ohio and other hard-hit parts of the country?

Oh yeah! Usage is up about 20%, use of our free-to-all (but filtered) Internet computers is up about 30% and we expect greater increase to come. Note that this use is NOT necessarily reflected in greater numbers of items checked out -- many are used in the building because people don't want to take the chance of having a fine because their stuff becomes overdue. Right now our parking lot (75 slots and 20 in a second lot, plus on-street) is filled almost every day, so much so that I might not have a place when I get back from lunch.

The same is true of all of the libraries around here with whom I've spoken. I'll know more in a few days when we have the local Consortium (8 driving hours @ 75 mph long x 5 hours wide) executive board meeting.

Also, article says "most" libraries have put in free Wi-Fi and computer service.   Do you think that's accurate?

Wi-fi? No. Many have (we have) but many have not because their size (e.g., Stanley, Grace, Rigby, Terreton [all Idaho]) makes it unnecessary. There are more small libraries than medium and large ones, and budget size really makes the difference. If you REALLY REALLY want to irritate a small or even medium sized public library tell them that AT HOME your library has __________________ and you CAN'T UNDERSTAND why this isn't provided: be prepared for a frosty or even frozen response, though.

Computer service? Yes. The Gates Foundation Grants have been very good to libraries of all sizes. Problem is, some of the small ones can't get broadband of any sort and have to rely on dial-up.

Libraries are pretty much ignored in good times and depended upon during bad. My budget has been effectively cut during the past 5 years, with no increase that came close to matching my increasing costs. So now, when the bad times hit -- well, the story of Joseph and the Pharaoh's dream about the cows is pretty explanatory.

I'm planning on NO increase in budget this year next fiscal year.

To give you an idea:

My budget is US $1.56 million this year (I'm the biggest library within 50 miles in all directions, and for 100+ miles east, south, and west). Of that, $1.1 million goes to salaries and benefits. Out of the remaining $460,000 you knock off $150,000 for materials, leaving $310,000. Out of that I have to pay for repairs, heat, light, water, trash, computer services, telecommunications, marketing, insurance, and all of the ills any business is heir to.

See the problem? If there is no overall increase next year, personnel costs will still go up. You can take it from there.

And oh yes -- the cost of library materials has risen about 24% over the past three years.... The discount we usually-but-not-always get has therefore been shrinking and free shipping is a distant memory....