Can a library still have value to people?

Brian Kenney. Library Journal. New York: Aug 2005.Vol.130, Iss. 13; pg. 34, 4 pgs

The economic edge:

"As great a building as this is for Seattle's readers and researchers, learners and dreamers, its impact is even bigger. For libraries to be able to stake their claim in today's civic enterprise, it helps if they can flex their economic muscle.

A year after its opening, the library's foundation and Seattle's Office of Economic Development sponsored a study to assess the new buildings effect on the local economy. In its first year of operation, the study reports, the library was visited by over 2.3 million individuals, 30 percent from out of town-and more coming. Seattle's library is becoming a destination point for a global community."