[Genealib] Effects of the economy on patrons and programs

[Susan Scouras]

We just held our usually highly popular "Hoot Owl" all-nighter in the
West Virginia Archives and History Library on Friday April 24/Saturday
April 25.  The fee is $25, plus $.25 per copy for any copies made. For
the past few years the event has run at capacity of 50.  Last year they
accepted 54 and had to turn away applicants.  This year, they only had
14 people registered two weeks before the event.  30 were registered by
the day of the event.  The Mining Your History Foundation (a friends of
the Archives group) members who organize and run the event said they had
many regulars who have attended for years tell them that they could not
afford it this year.  In addition to the registration fee, many of them
pay for at least one night in a motel, plus gas and meals, although many
split the expense with one or more other attendees. 
 
We were a little surprised, because Hoot Owl has always held its own no
matter what else was going on in the world.  
Susan Scouras
Librarian
WV Archives and History Library
The Cultural Center
1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Charleston, WV  25305-0300
(304) 558-0230, Ext. 742
 
 
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