Book Market Hammered on Both Ends

I had thought of the effect that the economy had on book sales and there is another area being affected, public libraries. Many cities are in a budget hole and everything is on the table. This story about Philadelphia and Jacksonville, Fl. are perfect examples:

http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6618854.html

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/071408/met_303463404.shtml

Both of these libraries have my books as part of their collection and continued downsizing in public library budgets will hit less well known authors the most. Libraries are a significant factor in book sales and their impact is illustrated by the collections below.

Cleveland Jacksonville

Who else out there has heard of cutbacks hitting libraries? If libraries become expendable, it would be a great setback for authors, book lovers and the communities served.

Good topic, DT.
My local library wanted to order Forever Friends, but have now postponed this until the New Year due to funding uncertainties. We are also going through a major refurb and restructuring, meaning more resources are going to be diverted to electronic media and less paper books will be placed on the shelves as of next April, 2009.