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Essay / Public Libraries - 1237
My Library: Celebrate the County Public LibraryPublic libraries play a central role in the lives of many Americans, from early childhood education to senior services. The majority of Americans believe their local library improves their community (94%), and an equally large number (65%) have visited it at least once in the past year (American Library Association, 2010). Connecticut residents are no exception. As of 2007, Connecticut has had 195 public libraries containing a circulation of approximately 15.5 million books and boasts the third highest per capita library attendance rate in the country, with 6.5 visits per capita (National Statistics Center Education, 2009). The West Hartford Public Library exceeds the state average, with approximately 10.5 library visits per capita and a circulation of nearly one million books, a significant portion of the state's total circulation (National Center Education Statistics, 2009). As the birthplace of Noah Webster and just a few miles from the former homes of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe, West Hartford has a rich literary history that continues to this day. America's libraries have suffered major blows in recent years (American Library Association, 2010). ), Connecticut libraries experiencing low operating income for 15 years in 2010 (CT Library Community); however, in the current state of the country, public libraries are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, as people affected by the recession flock to public libraries (Rooney-Brown, 2009). Residents in communities across the country take advantage of free services offered by public libraries, such as DVD rentals, computer use, social groups, workshops, lectures and countless other benefits (Rooney- Brown, 2009)....... middle of document ......ion Statistics, 2009). If residents were aware of the many services the library offers, they would likely visit WHPL more frequently. The main tactic of the campaign will be to take advantage of each service as an argument for visiting the library. The campaign will present a significant number of arguments and, in return, strengthen the credibility of My Library. Services featured can range from free internet and computer use to free mediation sessions. The diversity of services, in addition to the large number of services, will constitute a strong argument, because each service offers a unique benefit to library users. Equally important, the act of visiting the library requires a high degree of motivation and effort. Research shows that multiple robust arguments greatly complement the power of a message if the recipient is highly engaged (Petty &