Do we need libraries anymore?

jenna8984 · April 2014

I live in what I consider to be a small town (15k residents). We just got approved state funding for a new 11 million dollar library to replace the current one built in 1940. Most people would be excited for their town but I just think it's a giant waste of tax dollars. Honestly, not trying to sound ignorant but who the hell uses a library? Every school is equipped with a library and computers that enable to students to research anything they need. I don't know any adults who go to a library and could they not just use the one in the schools? I'm sorry but set up a few public computers in the town hall for people to use and call it a day. If people really want to read a hard cover book they can sit in the Barnes & Noble and read it or purchase it. Enlighten me if I'm missing something here, but 11 million dollars plus the cost of maintenance, utilities, employees does not seem worth it just because a few people don't want to purchase their own books or internet. (again not talking about school children as they have school libraries)

Isn't physical health as important as mental health? I'd rather see an 11 million dollar workout/ gym complex that I can use for free....why is that not a reality?

doeydo · April 2014

My Grandma loves the library. She is a reads all of the time and gets all her books there. Also, at our library they have frequent groups that meet and adult education sessions. That said, I don't see why they need eleven million to build a friggin library. Also, can they not renovate the old one? It's like destroying history. Ours has a lovely room that reminds me of the library that The Beast gives Belle, OK maybe not as big and extravagant but it has the same feeling.

larrygaga · April 2014

I pick up like 3-4 books every few weeks. Free books! Who can say no???

A lot of people use the library in our town. Also, when it comes to taxes, 11 mil is not really a big amount. It must be a really teeny library and maybe that's why people don't use it.

larrygaga · April 2014

jenna8984 said:

I live in what I consider to be a small town (15k residents). We just got approved state funding for a new 11 million dollar library to replace the current one built in 1940. Most people would be excited for their town but I just think it's a giant waste of tax dollars. Honestly, not trying to sound ignorant but who the hell uses a library? Every school is equipped with a library and computers that enable to students to research anything they need. I don't know any adults who go to a library and could they not just use the one in the schools? I'm sorry but set up a few public computers in the town hall for people to use and call it a day. If people really want to read a hard cover book they can sit in the Barnes & Noble and read it or purchase it. Enlighten me if I'm missing something here, but 11 million dollars plus the cost of maintenance, utilities, employees does not seem worth it just because a few people don't want to purchase their own books or internet. (again not talking about school children as they have school libraries)
Isn't physical health as important as mental health? I'd rather see an 11 million dollar workout/ gym complex that I can use for free....why is that not a reality?

Physical health is always more important than mental health in our society. We ill play thousands for physical illness/injury but won't go to a 100 dollar therapy session.

emmyg65 · April 2014

Libraries aren't just a place to find books. They're classrooms, play centers, community centers, etc. Relatively few people in your community can access the school library (schoolchildren only), but everyone can go to the public library. It's a great place for parents to bring children, for people to explore the joy of reading, for people to find DVDs, CDs, and magazines, and yes, for people to access computers and printers. Reference librarians are a great resource for people doing research. Oftentimes, town libraries keep municipal archives.

Libraries are truly magical places. We used to go to the library all the time when I was a kid because my parents couldn't afford to buy books or videos. We could even borrow puzzles and puppets! And I took tons of classes. Our Thanksgiving cranberry sauce is still the recipe I learned at the library when I was five. Along with my parents, the library is what inspired me to be a voracious reader, which led to my career as a writer. My first paycheck job was as a page at the library at age 15 and the librarians remembered me from story time 10+ years earlier!

Libraries are a public good. More food for thought: http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/community-centered-23-reasons-why-your-library-is-the-most-important-place-in-town/

wandajune6 · April 2014

I love libraries and use them regularly. I would also imagine that much of the cost of your library comes from the actual books and technology inside.

We go to the library a few times a week. I'll look at books, FI's son does his homework- he needs to be taken away from technology and put somewhere quiet to do homework- and FI reads all of the magazines we don't subscribe to. His son goes to the school library regularly but it isn't always available when he needs it. Also, they offer lots of programming that we can take advantage of as a family.

manateehugger · April 2014

I also like to gently remind you that for families who cannot afford many luxuries, libraries provide educational programming and acces to knowledge these children would not have access to otherwise. You're talking about removing a free and amazing resource because people don't like paying minuscule taxes.

Libraries also often track local history and local records no one else bothers with.

Oh, and I have always and will always be a proud patron of every public library I live near. So to answer your question, people like me use the library. I encourage you next time you're curious about something, visit the library, not just google.

doeydo · April 2014

Oh, also, when I was a kid I remember going to the library with my mom regularly to get new books to read. It was great and free. Also, during the Summer I went into some sort of a reading program thing.

ElcaB · April 2014

First, I have to give a shout-out to @doeydo for the perfectly suited GIF & @emmyg65 for the amazing reply to the original post.

I use the library pretty regularly (despite being infamous for my inability to return materials on time). I check out books, CDs (yes, you read that correctly), and DVDs. I love a good library browse and really enjoy making the time to read a book (no Kindle for this girl!).

I also have very fond memories of the library when I was little and would like to be able to give my future children the same experience.

jenna8984 · April 2014

Thanks for all the answers so far. And @emmyg65 that link was helpful.

I guess the part I just don't understand is why it's prioritized as a necessity. Reading books, reading magazines, watching DVD's, attending groups are a HOBBY. I constantly hear on the radio how 1 in 5 kids in this country are starving. I'm fine paying tax dollars to feed these kids because that is a true necessity that I feel people are entitled to- not being able to read a book for free.

2leadsingers · April 2014

emmyg65 said:

Libraries aren't just a place to find books. They're classrooms, play centers, community centers, etc. Relatively few people in your community can access the school library (schoolchildren only), but everyone can go to the public library. It's a great place for parents to bring children, for people to explore the joy of reading, for people to find DVDs, CDs, and magazines, and yes, for people to access computers and printers. Reference librarians are a great resource for people doing research. Oftentimes, town libraries keep municipal archives.

Libraries are truly magical places. We used to go to the library all the time when I was a kid because my parents couldn't afford to buy books or videos. We could even borrow puzzles and puppets! And I took tons of classes. Our Thanksgiving cranberry sauce is still the recipe I learned at the library when I was five. Along with my parents, the library is what inspired me to be a voracious reader, which led to my career as a writer. My first paycheck job was as a page at the library at age 15 and the librarians remembered me from story time 10+ years earlier!

Libraries are a public good. More food for thought: http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/community-centered-23-reasons-why-your-library-is-the-most-important-place-in-town/

This.

In our town, the library also serves as a function space, with classrooms and meeting places that can be reserved for little to no fee for classes for seniors, mommy and me groups, available for tutors and mentors for groups of underperforming students, those taking special test prep, small business meetings etc. Our library is BUSY just about every day. The parking lots are huge. In the metro area where I live most of the communities have libraries that are huge and busy. Some of them have coffee shops and snack bars in them. They offer art projects and a few of them have 40-60 computers which always require a wait for one to open. A lot of them offer printing services, and there are things available at a lot of libraries near me that coordinate with other public sector offices and provide all the necessary forms for township offices and court cases and such.

Yes a fitness facility is a great idea as well, but don't immediately discount the value of a library to society.

manateehugger · April 2014

jenna8984 said:
Thanks for all the answers so far. And @emmyg65 that link was helpful.
I guess the part I just don't understand is why it's prioritized as a necessity. Reading books, reading magazines, watching DVD's, attending groups are a HOBBY. I constantly hear on the radio how 1 in 5 kids in this country are starving. I'm fine paying tax dollars to feed these kids because that is a true necessity that I feel people are entitled to- not being able to read a book for free.

By your reasoning, school and learning is also a hobby, so we should cut public education. This isn't an either/or situation.

And I would strongly disagree and say that the ability to learn, reading comprehension, and critical thinking are necessities. Libraries fuel dreams and provide the skills to for people to make something of themselves. There's a reason education used to be only for the wealthy.

AddieCake · April 2014

As an English teacher, the very idea of getting rid of libraries appalls me. Do you have any idea how many children's love of reading and learning is established and grows in libraries?

Cookie Pusher · April 2014

As a poor kid of immigrant parents, the public library was an amazing place for me. I went every week, at least twice, through my entire elementary education. We could barely afford to put food on the table some months, but I could go to the library and forget how crappy things were at home. I could read about places I had seen images of on television or heard about on the radio. I was able to participate in reading groups because my parents couldn't read to/with me at home. When I moved to my current small town over 20 years ago, I began going to the library even more because it was within walking distance of our house. Even now, when I can easily just buy books online or look things up on Google, I love going to the library. It's where you go to find out what's going on in the town. It's where you go when you want quiet time by yourself where no one is going to bother you. There are tons of old books, newspapers, and magazines that you just cannot find or afford to buy online, but they have them available at the library. Heck, I even found copies of my old high school yearbooks there.

jenna8984 · April 2014

PDKH said:

Thanks for all the answers so far. And @emmyg65 that link was helpful.
I guess the part I just don't understand is why it's prioritized as a necessity. Reading books, reading magazines, watching DVD's, attending groups are a HOBBY. I constantly hear on the radio how 1 in 5 kids in this country are starving. I'm fine paying tax dollars to feed these kids because that is a true necessity that I feel people are entitled to- not being able to read a book for free.
By your reasoning, school and learning is also a hobby, so we should cut public education. This isn't an either/or situation. And I would strongly disagree and say that the ability to learn, reading comprehension, and critical thinking are necessities. Libraries fuel dreams and the skills to make something of themselves. There's a reason education used to be only for the wealthy.

Basic education is completely different. I agree that reading comprehension and critical thinking are necessities and that's why they are taught in school. I'm not saying libraries are not a wonderful resource and that people should not continue to learn. All I'm saying is that I'm a college graduate with great verbal skills and I've never stepped foot in a library. So while they are great and fun- they aren't needed in the equation to "fuel dreams and skills".

Maybe I should just stop talking. My point wasn't to argue against libraries, I just don't want to get all political about what the money could better be used for and my stand on socialism lol.

QueerFemme · April 2014

OP. Your privilege is showing. Not every school has computers. Most of the schools that have up to date computers are in affluent and mostly white neighborhoods. And I'd like to see a person of color go sit at a Barnes and Noble all day and read a book, and see how quick they get kicked out. And not everyone has money to just buy from amazon, nor do they have the Internet access to do so.

Yes. There are kids that are hungry. But you don't cut education and arts to feed them, you figure out a way to do both.

Your post is really coming from an elitist and privileged place and makes you sound bougie and snobby. It's kinda gross actually.

AddieCake · April 2014

Gyms certainly aren't a necessity, either. I've never stepped foot in one and probably never will. Nor do I "need" to, both b/c I manage to stay in shape w/o it and b/c it's not a "necessity."

manateehugger · April 2014

jenna8984 said:

PDKH said:

jenna8984 said:
Thanks for all the answers so far. And @emmyg65 that link was helpful.
I guess the part I just don't understand is why it's prioritized as a necessity. Reading books, reading magazines, watching DVD's, attending groups are a HOBBY. I constantly hear on the radio how 1 in 5 kids in this country are starving. I'm fine paying tax dollars to feed these kids because that is a true necessity that I feel people are entitled to- not being able to read a book for free.
By your reasoning, school and learning is also a hobby, so we should cut public education. This isn't an either/or situation.

And I would strongly disagree and say that the ability to learn, reading comprehension, and critical thinking are necessities. Libraries fuel dreams and the skills to make something of themselves. There's a reason education used to be only for the wealthy.

Basic education is completely different. I agree that reading comprehension and critical thinking are necessities and that's why they are taught in school. I'm not saying libraries are not a wonderful resource and that people should not continue to learn. All I'm saying is that I'm a college graduate with great verbal skills and I've never stepped foot in a library. So while they are great and fun- they aren't needed in the equation to "fuel dreams and skills".

Maybe I should just stop talking. My point wasn't to argue against libraries, I just don't want to get all political about what the money could better be used for and my stand on socialism lol.

You're a college graduate whose privilege is showing. You're a college graduate who doesn't understand the power of your own education.

What about the people who would like to know more? You're talking about removing a FREE amazing resource to our society because you don't like paying small taxes. And I'll put it out there that I'm a pretty strong fiscal conservative and libraries would be one of the last things I would look to cut - because I understand how they are a multifunctional resource which reemphasizes one of the most powerful facets of a liberal (lower case l) modern society - free and public education.

jenna8984 · April 2014

AddieCake said:

As an English teacher, the very idea of getting rid of libraries appalls me. Do you have any idea how many children's love of reading and learning is established and grows in libraries?

When I was a kid I had a love of soccer but I didn't get to play in a league for free despite all the benefits that children get from organized sports. lol

AddieCake said:

Gyms certainly aren't a necessity, either. I've never stepped foot in one and probably never will. Nor do I "need" to, both b/c I manage to stay in shape w/o it and b/c it's not a "necessity."

Yes I agree. I would personally enjoy a gym but once we start talking about necessity it's definitely not in the conversation anymore.

SlothGoals · April 2014

jenna8984 said:

AddieCake said:

As an English teacher, the very idea of getting rid of libraries appalls me. Do you have any idea how many children's love of reading and learning is established and grows in libraries?

When I was a kid I had a love of soccer but I didn't get to play in a league for free despite all the benefits that children get from organized sports. lol

AddieCake said:

Gyms certainly aren't a necessity, either. I've never stepped foot in one and probably never will. Nor do I "need" to, both b/c I manage to stay in shape w/o it and b/c it's not a "necessity."

Yes I agree. I would personally enjoy a gym but once we start talking about necessity it's definitely not in the conversation anymore.

You brought the gym into the conversation in your OP. You mentioned about wanting an 11 million dollar gym complex you can use for free. So at this point you seem to be changing your stance because now you say both libraries and gyms aren't necessities.

jenna8984 · April 2014

Oh now my "privilege" is showing. What does that even mean? I didn't say "Daddy sent me to Harvard". I worked two jobs to pay for my own community college that every single person can attend if they apply. I then have student loans from finishing at a state university, where I also worked two jobs. So please spare me the dramatics that I'm like a billionaire stomping down on poor people and their resources.

And thank you all for showing me that a large number of people do in fact use public libraries. I was concerned with the tax money because I thought it would be a wasted venture that people no longer used. Now I am glad that it's coming to my town if so many people do in fact utilize and take advantage of it.

manateehugger · April 2014

You can also, you know, go outside, to stay physically healthy.

I don't belong to a gym, but I do own a pair of tennis shoes. I do just fine.

netskyblue2 · April 2014

I use the local library. I don't always want to (or can afford to) buy all the books I want to read, or reference.

manateehugger · April 2014

jenna8984 said:
Oh now my "privilege" is showing. What does that even mean? I didn't say "Daddy sent me to Harvard". I worked two jobs to pay for my own community college that every single person can attend if they apply. I then have student loans from finishing at a state university, where I also worked two jobs. So please spare me the dramatics that I'm like a billionaire stomping down on poor people and their resources.

And thank you all for showing me that a large number of people do in fact use public libraries. I was concerned with the tax money because I thought it would be a wasted venture that people no longer used. Now I am glad that it's coming to my town if so many people do in fact utilize and take advantage of it.

You are privelidged because you grew up in a society where education is taken for granted - we all are privelidged in this manner.

Privelidge doesn't come only in monetary form.

netskyblue2 · April 2014

jenna8984 said:

I'd rather see an 11 million dollar workout/ gym complex that I can use for free....why is that not a reality?

Hey, that should be a thing, too! I'd imagine the big gym companies would lobby against such a government-funded thing. Here's what you do: get rich, then leave it all to such a cause when you die

OnionBreath · April 2014

As I was growing up, the library was the only place I could use internet because I didn't have personal access to it until college. My family had trouble making rent, so it was just not a priority.

I *needed* the library to do my homework on many nights and do research. It also hosted a lot of events like poetry sessions and had a tutoring program as well as an adult literacy program similar to one my Grandfather used to learn to read (before I was born).

As poor as I grew up: I would vote on this expensive library over investing it in other programs. I would vote on this every.single.time.

If you truly are worried about hunger in this country, contact your local soup kitchen to see how you can make a positive impact. Sometimes all they need is someone to pick up food from stores and restaurants that are willing to give it away.

jenna8984 · April 2014

PDKH said:

Oh now my "privilege" is showing. What does that even mean? I didn't say "Daddy sent me to Harvard". I worked two jobs to pay for my own community college that every single person can attend if they apply. I then have student loans from finishing at a state university, where I also worked two jobs. So please spare me the dramatics that I'm like a billionaire stomping down on poor people and their resources.

And thank you all for showing me that a large number of people do in fact use public libraries. I was concerned with the tax money because I thought it would be a wasted venture that people no longer used. Now I am glad that it's coming to my town if so many people do in fact utilize and take advantage of it.
You are privelidged because you grew up in a society where education is taken for granted - we all are privelidged in this manner. Privelidge doesn't come only in monetary form.

Ok, then others shouldn't be pointing fingers calling me priviledged if they have the same opportunities at public education that I had.

Cookie Pusher · April 2014

If you've never stepped foot in a library, how can you be against using tax money to fund them? I've never been to a job skills training center - does that make them a waste of resources? If you actually spent some time at the library, you'd be amazed at the diverse mix of people who use the services. Lots of young families and seniors during the day, school-aged children and adults at night, and everything in between.

MrsAitch · April 2014

You really think a gym would be a better use of resources than a library!? Go for a walk or run outside or do a workout dvd (which, you could borrow from the library) at home and you can get the same benefits. Gyms in general are a huge waste of resources--I always laugh when I see people inside running on treadmills on a beautiful day. Wtf are they doing--they make me think of hamsters on hamster wheels. I always think we wouldn't need gyms at all if there weren't so many of us confined to sedentary office jobs anyway.

My small town of 25,000 built a new library a few years ago and it is ridiculously busy every time I go there. There are all kinds of events and classes for people of all ages, resources for local history (cannot wait till after the wedding to spend many hours in there researching the previous occupants of our 100+ year old home!), resources for ancestry research, books for fun, books for education, book clubs...I could go on all day. In my experience the people that seem to use it the most are families with young children (homeschoolers especially) and senior citizens, but other people use it too. Why don't you actually try stepping foot in a library before you assume "no one uses it."

labro · April 2014

Wow...ok so I consider myself pretty privileged. I'm white, grew up mostly middle to middle upper class, and my parents helped pay somewhat for my college education. BUT, I still value and appreciate the importance of public libraries in our society. I've spent so many hours in public libraries it's almost ridiculous. When I was in high school and middle school I would check out 10+ books at a time. It opened me up to so many authors and stories that I never would have encountered in a book store. I've maintained my library membership in every town I've moved to, even during a 3 month internship. Every step of the way the library has been useful...whether that's been for internet access, books, community activities, hell even use of a fax machine. The list goes on and on. And honestly, $11 million is not THAT much for a new library building. I'm glad your town sees the value in putting tax dollars in to a new facility.

Also I agree with @scribe95's point. Not everyone lives within a few minutes of a Barnes & Noble or other large bookstore...or even a decently stocked used bookstore for that matter. Wal Mart isn't exactly conducive to being able to kick back and relax and read a book.

PrettyGirlLost · April 2014

jenna8984 said:

I live in what I consider to be a small town (15k residents). We just got approved state funding for a new 11 million dollar library to replace the current one built in 1940. Most people would be excited for their town but I just think it's a giant waste of tax dollars. Honestly, not trying to sound ignorant but who the hell uses a library? Many, many people of all different socioeconomic backgrounds and ages. Besides providing access to books and computers the library provides social interaction for people in the form of book clubs, kids' activities, classes, etc. Every school is equipped with a library and computers that enable to students to research anything they need. Sure, but only during school hours. Once the school day is over it is closed, and children won't have access to the library or computers to do their homework. . . which they are supposed to be doing in the evening, after school. There are families who cannot afford a computer or the internet. And schools are never just open to the public for anyone to juts walk in off of the street. .. that's a huge safety issue.I don't know any adults who go to a library and could they not just use the one in the schools? No, schools are not open to the public. I'm sorry but set up a few public computers in the town hall for people to use and call it a day. If people really want to read a hard cover book they can sit in the Barnes & Noble and read it or purchase it. Um, no. It really pisses me off when people read books cover to cover in B&N's. . . that's theft. Buy it or rent it from the library. Enlighten me if I'm missing something here, You are missing a lot. I suggest you take an afternoon and go to the library and see what goes on for yourself. but 11 million dollars plus the cost of maintenance, utilities, employees does not seem worth it just because a few people don't want to purchase their own books or internet. (again not talking about school children as they have school libraries) Some people cannot afford computers, internet, or books. . . it has nothing to do with "want."
Isn't physical health as important as mental health? I'd rather see an 11 million dollar workout/ gym complex that I can use for free....why is that not a reality? This is silly logic. You don't need access to a gym to stay healthy and fit- you can go jogging outside, join an adult sport team, etc. People managed to stay healthy for decades w/o the invention of gyms.

Do we need libraries anymore?

Re: Do we need libraries anymore?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards