National Library Snapshot Day is coming to the Mattapoisett Library 

On, Thursday April 12, Mattapoisett Free Public Library will join libraries across the Commonwealth and the nation to provide a “snapshot” of what happens in a day in the life of libraries. How many books are checked out? How many people receive help finding a job? Doing their taxes? Doing their homework? During Snapshot Day, libraries will collect data and photos that help demonstrate the value of libraries and raise public awareness that libraries are busier than ever.

 Everyone can participate in this second annual event.  The library staff will be happy to photograph families and individuals going about their library business or posing with their favorite book or in their favorite chair. Are you here with your grandchild today? Perfect!

New this year is online participation. Patrons can go to mass.gov/libraries and post comments about the ways they use the library. “With so many people using our online resources, we wanted to include them in the fun.” Last year residents downloaded more than 9 million articles from trusted library resources.

 “We’re looking forward to a fun, busy day that helps us show how much our residents use their library,” said Susan Pizzolato, Library Director.  Busy days are the norm at libraries across the state. Over the past decade, libraries in Massachusetts have experienced a dramatic surge in usage, including a 50% increase in library visits and a 29% increase in circulation.

Nationally, Snapshot Day is supported by the American Library Association which will compile state data to provide a national look at a day in the life of libraries. Massachusetts Library Snapshot Day is presented by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Regional Library System, the Massachusetts Library Association, the Massachusetts School Library Association, and Boston Public Library. Visit: mass.gov/libraries or contact the staff at 508-758-4171 at the Mattapoisett Library for more information.