CHICAGO (WBBM) - The economy and a newly designed Web site are being credited for a dramatic increase in interest in the Chicago Public Library system. 

WBBM’s Bernie Tafoya has the story.

Library Cmsr. Mary Dempsey says circulation numbers for the month of March were up 25 percent.  She says she thinks the downturn in the economy is one big factor. “Every single time the economy goes into a downturn, public libraries report higher circulation”, Dempsey says.

She says people want their books, CDs, DVDs and access to technology, “but don’t have the money to pay for them”.

Cmsr. Dempsey also credits the new Public Library web site for the increase in circulation. The library system rolled out its new Web site on March 3rd and it allows library users to reserve books online and choose which library branch you want the book delivered to. 

She says an e-mail is sent to tell you when your book choice is ready to be picked up. Dempsey says you can also renew a book on line.

Dempsey calls the library system “a wonderful secret that everyone’s starting to discover”.

And watch out Oprah.  Your book club may be getting a mini-run for its money.  Cmsr. Dempsey says the new Web site includes book recommendations by librarians and that, once books make it to that list, the system sees an increased interest in checking them out.

On the Net: http://www.chipublib.org/