SWON Libraries

Libraries in southwestern Ohio are good for the economy. That finding should be no surprise to many of us. A study released November 29 shows that nine Ohio public library systems in Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties create an annual economic impact of nearly four times the amount invested in their operations. The report from Levin, Driscoll, and Fleeter, a consulting firm in Columbus, Ohio, concludes that the libraries’ cumulative expenditure of about $74 million returned a quantifiable direct economic benefit of $238.6 million—or $3.81 for each dollar expended in 2005. The study also recognizes that these libraries add significant value to their communities that cannot be assigned a dollar value, such as “improved economic prospects and an enhanced quality of life.”... The participating libraries include SWON Libraries members: Clermont County Public Library, Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, Lebanon Public Library, and Mary L. Cook Public Library. Other libraries participating in the study include Lane Public Library, Middletown Public Library, Franklin-Springboro Public Library, Mason Public Library, Salem Township Public Library. More information can be found at www.9libraries.info.