We've known all along that public libraries are invaluable community resources, and as it turns out, people find them most useful during the worst of times.

Librarians across central Maine say people are turning to them in increasing numbers now that the national and state economies are in steep decline.

Libraries aren't just for book lovers any more. People see the value of free local Internet service, free perusal of newspapers' help-wanted ads, magazines and other periodicals. People even use libraries for older video rentals, CD music and audio books.

Lyn Smith, head librarian at the Pittsfield Public Library, said in a recent news article that she is seeing an increased number of visitors using library computers to update resumes and complete job applications.

The upswing in the use of Maine libraries isn't necessarily a good sign for the economy, nor is the trend of consumers pulling back on their spending happening in our state alone.

Data released on Tuesday showed American consumer confidence at an all-time low. Housing prices, which have been depressed and falling for many months, showed sharp declines from November 2008 compared to November 2007. The national unemployment rate is at a 15-year high.

For now, all we can recommend is that people remain calm and wait and see whether the federal government's massive cash infusions to the banking, investment and auto industries start to make a difference.

During these times of turbulence, though, it is good to know that helpful resources are nearby. We put public libraries at the head of that class.