The Calgary Public Library expects to see more users this year. (CBC)

Calgary public libraries are doing a booming business, reporting record activity that puts them in the top six busiest civic systems in North America.

Customers borrowed a record 15.4 million books, CDs, and DVDs from Calgary libraries in 2008, an increase of 1.1 million from the year before.

Those statistics place the Calgary Public Library as the second busiest civic library system in Canada, and the sixth busiest in North America, behind Toronto, Los Angeles, and the boroughs of New York City, library officials said Friday.

Carole Marion, manager of the Forest Lawn Library, said branches expect to be even busier this year with the economic slowdown.

"That's very typical, actually, of people coming to the library when there is a recession," Marion said. "Because of the economy, people can't afford to buy as much material as before. But they're also looking at things like getting more information to upgrade their jobs."

Plans for expansion

On top of the 2.2 million items available for borrowing, the city's 17 branches also act as a community resource centre with internet access, and English as a second language programs.

"I probably take out at least 30 books a month," said Deb Brown as she used the library's computer to check her Facebook account.

Ariet Obong, 17, was at the Forest Lawn location for a quiet spot to study.

"I just came to study because we have an exam today and it's quieter here because my house is big, you know, like a lot of kids," she said.

The city libraries are doing so well, there are plans to:

• Install a new online catalogue and borrowing system in February.
• Build a branch in the northeast.
• Expand the Signal Hill branch in the southwest.
• Build branches in the northwest and southeast in the next 10 years.
• Develop a new central library downtown.