[RHWright]

Originally Posted by emellaich

So, I know that this isn't popular, and I've posted similar thoughts before and met with resounding silence, but here goes (Most of these thoughts are specific to the U.S. situation).

I'm not sure that libraries in there current form should continue to exist. What is their purpose? Some questions that occur:
- Should we take money from taxpayers so that people who can buy books of their own get the books for free?

Absolutely. And, BTW, not everyone can afford to buy books, especially in the volume they borrow from the library. The literacy benefits far outweigh the costs to the community.

- Should we take money from authors by looking to buy a single book and making it available to the public?

So, basically, you're challenging the whole idea of a library altogether? As a writer, again, I think the benefits outweigh the costs. And it's good marketing. How many readers discover new authors by trying them out for free first?

- Why is there a duplicate library system between schools and the public library?

I don't believe this is necessarily the case. School libraries have particular aims. The public library serves the community as a whole. Careful coordination and management of resources reduces unnecessary overlap, in my experience.