Quote:
Originally Posted by tubemonkey
That's just it, tax support is dwindling; and even though you're willing to pay more, it won't happen. That's why I suggested a user fee for high end services. I pay taxes to support our National Parks, yet I still have to pay a user fee in order to access them.
User fees are more palatable for taxpayers; especially those who don't utilize those services. As such, they'll be easier to pass than a general tax increase.
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Well, I realize my "more taxes" isn't going to get passed, so I see your point, but even so I'm not really in favor of charging people who use the library. I see it as anathema to the point of a library (or as I see it) which is to grow the health of the community by offering information freely to those who couldn't not otherwise easily access it.
I think eReaders will very soon not be a luxury, and I think restricting eBooks to those who can pay even a minimal fee is not good for the health of the library.
I guess if the ONLY alternative is to close the library entirely (and I think this is a bit of a straw argument at that point), then I would be in favor of a "Library Patron" subscription service where you could pay a yearly fee and in exchange... X would happen. More than the usual limit of books out at once, maybe?
But, no, I am not in favor of charging all patrons equally. And I am in favor of higher taxes, whether it's politically feasible or not. I'm an American who is tired of hearing that all taxes have to be cut because UNDERPANTS GNOMES.