States Closing The Book On Public Libraries

Los Angeles - Across the country, state leaders are looking for ways to close their budget gaps. Now public libraries are the latest item on the chopping block.

They've long been a quiet haven for book worms and students.

Jesus Contreras/College Student
"I frequently come in here to do my homework and study for tests because it's a lot quieter in here than it is at home."

But Jesus and thousands of other Americans won't have as many options in the new year.

California, like most states, is facing serious budget cuts and looking at ways to improve the bottom line.

Roberta Stevens/American Library Association
"Localities have experienced decreases in their revenue from real estate taxes... due to the downturn in housing. That has also impacted funding for libraries."

That funding is down 30 percent in South Carolina -- 24 percent in Florida.

Big cities to little towns have been forced to either trim public library hours or close their doors all together.

Roberta Stevens/American Library Association
"In the past year we had 1.2 billion people coming to our libraries across the nation and checking out 2 billion items. So, you get some sense of... closures affect people in dramatic ways."

Experts say the problem is two-fold. With unemployment at an all time high... more people need libraries than ever before... because they're about more than just books these days.

Jackie Griffin/Ventura Co. Library Director
"People use the library incredibly to look for jobs. We have all sorts of resources for them to use and a lot of families don't have computers at home or can't afford internet access anymore."

One Southern California city closed all three of its public libraries, leaving nearly 60 people without jobs.

A trend that's expected to take off in 2010 -- as local and state governments make further cuts to make ends meet.