Library Visits

An interesting piece of research from Gallup about how often people visit libraries:

"Despite the proliferation of digital-based activities over the past two decades -- including digital books, podcasts, streaming entertainment services and advanced gaming -- libraries have endured as a place Americans visit nearly monthly on average. Whether because they offer services like free Wi-Fi, movie rentals, or activities for children, libraries are most utilized by young adults, women and residents of low-income households."

 Note that visiting a library is the top leisure activity in The South....but Southerners do so at the lowest average in the country:

Reports of Leisure and Activities, by Region

	East	Midwest	South	West
	Average	Average	Average	Average
Go to a library	10.4	12.9	9.3	10.1
Go to a movie at a movie theater	5.3	4.9	5.4	5.6
Attend a live sporting event	4.5	4.6	5.1	4.3
Attend a live music or theatrical event	3.7	3.0	3.8	4.6
Visit a national or historical park	3.0	2.7	3.1	5.9
Visit a museum	4.0	1.7	2.0	2.5
Visit a gambling casino	1.4	3.3	1.0	5.1
Go to an amusement or theme park	1.8	0.8	1.7	1.7
Visit a zoo	0.6	1.1	0.9	0.7
Dec. 2-15, 2019
Gallup

      Speaking of libraries, an Alabama author may hold the record for the largest library fine ever. 
     Russellville-born Gustav Hasford was charged with failing to return hundreds of library books from the U.S. and England. He served time and paid some $3,000 in overdue book fines, said to be among the largest ever, though some stories cast doubt about the amount of the fines.

   Hasford's best known book was "The Short-Timers"...the basis for the Vietnam-War novel Full Metal Jacket. 
    He won script credit for the movie after a lengthy battle with Stanley Kubrick.

More bio info HERE