Numbers from last month’s library board meeting revealed some interesting statistics.

For one, more than half of Dawson County’s residents now hold a library card.

It stems from a 10 percent increase in library visits from 2008-09, said Stacey Leonhardt, Dawson County branch manager.

In addition, Internet use at the library is up 24 percent, and children’s programs are seeing gradual increased attendance as well.

Leonhardt credits lean economic times for the surge of patrons.

“We’re hearing more and more that people are not purchasing books as much as they used to, because they’re trying to cut their budgets everywhere they can,” Leonhardt said.

She attributed the rise in free Internet use at the library to residents “getting rid of their home Internet service, because they’re cutting costs.”

Added Leonhardt: “People will also check out lots of DVDs recently as a form of visual entertainment.”

Children’s programs are seeing increased numbers too. “People are trying to find free things they can do with their kids,” she said.

For more information about the Dawson County Library, call (706) 344-3690, or visit www.chestateelibrary.org.

The next Dawson County Library Board meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. April 19 at the Dawson County Library.