Jim
Ventura, of the Somerville Public Library, said he has detected "an
increase in both book circulations and audio-visual circulations," in
the last year, as the nation has slipped into a recession.

In
the last year check out figures for books rose by approximately 8
percent, periodicals by 6 percent, audio books by 13 percent and DVD's
by 6 percent.

In fiscal year 2008, the total circulation of
Somerville Public Library jumped by approximately 22,000 from the
previous two years.

"Already in the first quarter of fiscal year
2009, our total quarter circulations are higher than last year's
first-quarter circulations," said Ventura. In addition, "the number of
Somerville residents registered with active Minuteman library cards
jumped from 27,415 in 2007 to 28,946 in 2008."

Locals are also borrowing more movies and music from the library, said Beverly Blair, the audio-visual librarian.

"We're always busy, especially on Fridays for the weekend. I would definitely notice a slight change," said Blair.

Blair
estimated that, on an average weekday, the number of movies borrowed
ranges between 100 and 150 and from 200 to 250 on weekends. "I spoke to
a patron yesterday, and she said, 'I'll be getting my movies at the
library now,'" said Blair.