This past summer, NPR polled its listeners of “All Things Considered,” asking how their daily lives had changed since the economic downturn. Many responded by saying they were using their public libraries more — and true to form, public libraries across the country are reporting a recent surge in circulation.

By JILL PROUTY

On Saturday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m., guest speaker Dr. Elliot Engel will present his informative and entertaining lecture, “A Light History of the English Language,” at the second annual Peachtree City Literary Festival.