Nationally there has been a shift in the role of public libraries during recent years, from passive recreational reading and research institutions to active agents of economic development, addressing such pressing urban issues as literacy, workforce training, small business vitality and community quality of life (Urban Libraries Council, 2007). Libraries have positioned themselves to help communities make the transition from manufacturing and service economies to high tech and information economies, largely through providing the public access to digital information and technology, by playing an active role in entrepreneurial activity, and by being seen as central to vibrant, livable places. A study by the Urban Institute (Urban Libraries Council, 2007) found that libraries make cities stronger by achieving benefi ts for individuals, agencies and the community at large in four areas:

• Early literacy services are contributing to long-term economic success.

• Small business resources and programs are lowering barriers to market entry.

• Public library buildings are contributing to stability, safety and quality of life in neighborhoods.

A 2005 study of the economic impact of public libraries in South Carolina (University of South Carolina, 2005), shows that the total direct economic impact of S.C. public libraries is estimated to be $222 million, while the actual cost of these services to the state and local governments is $77.5 million. This means that for every $1 spent by state and local governments on public libraries, the return on investment is $2.86. The indirect economic impact of S.C. public library expenditures (wages, supplies, books and related materials, construction, etc.) on the state’s economy is almost $126 million. This means that for every $1 expended by S.C. public libraries, the state receives $1.62 of indirect economic impact. Thus, the total direct and indirect return on investment for every $1 expended on the state’s public libraries by S.C. state and local governments is $4.48 or 350%.

Spartanburg County Public Libraries offer numerous services, including:

• Free access to check out books, movies, CDs, and more

• Free access to online databases such as DISCUS, Grolier, ReferenceUSA, HeritageQuest and more

• Free internet and wireless access

• Access to materials from other libraries nationwide

• The ability to request materials from your home computer

• Free computer classes, readers clubs, activities for teens including video games, other classes and activities

• Bookmobile

• Homebound services for people who are disabled and have difficulty reaching the library

• Library store

• Exhibits

• Volunteer opportunities

• Spanish language interface

• Photocopiers

• Microfi lm Machines

• Word processors

• Story times

Public Library Locations in Spartanburg County are:

• Headquarters Library, downtown Spartanburg

• Boiling Springs Library

• Chesnee Library

• Cowpens Library

• H. Carlisle Bean Law Library, downtown Spartanburg

• Inman Library

• Landrum Library

• Middle Tyger Library, Lyman

• Pacolet Library

• Westside Library, Oak Grove Rd. Spartanburg

• Woodruff Library

In addition to public libraries in Spartanburg County, the county is home to fi ve academic institutions with libraries of significant circulation and interlibrary loan activity.