Business is - quietly - booming at the library.

Byline: Jim Esslinger

WEBSTER - Call it an unintended consequence of desperate economic news, but more people are using the public library these days, according to the library's new director.

"We're at an all-time high in usage," said Carrie E. Grimshaw, who was hired in November to run the 80-year-old Chester C. Corbin Library on Lake Street. "It has a lot to do with the economy."

The library's eight public computers have waiting lists every day, she said. "We have a flood of people coming in from opening to closing."

More important, the numbers are up in circulation. "People are not going to bookstores, or not buying books." The same goes for DVDs and videotapes, she added.

Ms. Grimshaw took the reins after three years at the Dinand Library at the College of the Holy Cross. She is a graduate of Assumption College and has a master's degree in library science from the University of Rhode Island.

And her roots are even more local.

Ms. Grimshaw is a graduate of Shepherd Hill Regional High School, although she declined to give her year of graduation. She still lives in Charlton, as does her family.

"I know (Webster), I know the issues. I'm a local girl," she said with a smile.

Among the issues she will face are a dwindling budget and the library's drive to renovate or replace the aging facility. Just how she will deal with the former will have to wait until the town completes its budget, she said.

As for the building, she acknowledges that plans are still in the early stages, but said she would like to see more space devoted to programs for children and young adults. Youths of Webster are the future of the library, she said.

She pointed to existing programs aimed at young people, such as The Anime Club for ages 13 and older, where teens can share and discuss their video games the first Thursday of every month from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. For those 12 and younger, there is movie day from 3:15 to 4:45 on the first Tuesday of every month.

But don't think it's all about the visual. There are reading programs for preschoolers Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:30, and all ages are welcome to the story time Thursdays at 6:30 and Fridays at 3:30.

An exciting program is coming March 17, when kids will be able to participate in a martial arts demonstration called Guard Up! - a company from Burlington offering a demonstration of the use of swords and other weapons. Only sixth-graders and older will be allowed to participate, and registration is required. Onlookers of any age are welcome. Call the library at [phone] for more details.

All in all, Ms. Grimshaw notes, despite budget cuts the library has been able to maintain its operating hours and offer a variety of programs. The doors are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Many public libraries have cut back their hours because of budget cuts, Ms. Grimshaw pointed out.

Still, she knows she can face the challenges.

"I'm working with a great staff and board of trustees. They're a great asset to the community. And the library is a great asset."

ART: PHOTOS

PHOTOG: T&G Staff/MARK C. IDE

CUTLINE: (1) From left, Linda S. Smith of Webster; her grandson Alex Smith, 3; Anthony Sadd, 3; Children's Librarian Andrew Tai; and Robyn Sadd of Webster, Anthony's mother, look at picture books at the Chester C. Corbin Library. (2) Ms. Grimshaw