Okay, so I'll admit that when I first heard about extreme budget cuts to libraries my first thought was for myself...in my defense, they were threatening to eliminate inter-library loans, and I'd already listened to most of the YA audiobooks at my branch.
So, booksellers running a "save the libraries" campaign also has a selfish tinge to it. After all, budget cuts mean less books bought by libraries. Still, I'd like to think that their second thoughts (like my own) were for communities at large.
From a practical standpoint, the large number of unemployed people here in the U.S need free access to the internet and computers to find the maximum number of employment opportunities available in their area.
From a broader standpoint, libraries provide an ideological service to communities through the free flow of information. Freedom of speech and the press isn't worth much if the only information on current events most people have available to them is TV news. Multiple medias and perspectives need to be provided to the community at large, and the library does this.
What do you think? Why are libraries important to you?
And check out the Fight for Libraries Campaign over at Booksellers.com.
I'm definitely selfish about wanting to save libraries--they save me thousands of dollars I would have spent on buying books. But I also think there's something very important about making books and knowledge and internet access available to people who would not otherwise have it.
ReplyDeleteLibraries are a gold mine for everyone. They should be protected!
ReplyDelete"Freedom of speech and the press isn't worth much if the only information on current events most people have available to them is TV news." YES!
ReplyDeleteLibraries are that rare place in the community where every person is welcome. No matter how little or much you have, you're welcome to go there to learn and engage with people and ideas. It's a really wonderful and democratic thing. We need to protect them--thanks for posting this.
I don't think it's selfish/greedy to want to keep as many libraries open as possible. They provide a public service-useful to all. I am sick and tired of all the bank closures, post office closures, public toilet closures etc. Where is all the money going I'd like to know?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great campaign. I love libraries and can't imagine life without them! As a girl, I went with my mother to our city library, a gorgeous, depression-era building. My imagination sparked to life as I read book after book, and I am so thankful for the foundation for learning that I received in that children's reading room so long ago.
ReplyDeleteMy library is integral to my new career. If not for their open mic, I never would have become more proficient at reading my own work. I'd be lost if our library went.
ReplyDeleteWe had lots of books at home when I was growing up, but there's no way my parents could have bought all the books I read. We needed the library. Now I love books (and audio books) and I still need the library. I’d hate to live in a community where everyone had to pay for everything they read.
ReplyDeleteLibraries! Our library gets a ton of use. We leave every week with about 20 books between my and my kids. I could never keep up with their reading habits if I had to pay out of pocket. Especially all the classics!
ReplyDelete