ULC Study: PLs Boost Economy

By Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 2/15/2007

Drawing on research and anecdotal evidence from cities around the country, a new study from the Urban Institute and the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) suggests that public libraries contribute to local economic development by offering literacy training and work force training, supporting small businesses, and revitalizing neighborhoods.

“Making Cities Stronger: Public Library Contributions to Local Economic Development” was commissioned by the ULC and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Regarding early literacy, which adds to long-term economic success, the study cites, among other programs, the Brooklyn Public Library's (BPL) Brooklyn Reads to Babies campaign and the Providence Public Library's Ready To Learn Providence Partnership for Parents.

To help bolster work force development, the study hones in on the Newark Public Library's Victoria Technology Center, NJ, and the Hartford Public Library's, CT, “The American Place” service for immigrants. The Pima County Public Library, Tucson, AZ, has helped establish the Arizona Economic Development Centers network, with small business resources. BPL offers a business plan competition. The study also notes that central libraries in cities like Seattle and Des Moines have become downtown attractions, and library officials nationally have begun to see the value of incorporating libraries into mixed-use developments and hybrid facilities.