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Wow I can't believe what I am reading. This is honestly the first time I have come across an opinion about libraries that equates it with piracy or lost sales.
I grew up revering the library as a cultural institution, and respected the privilege for what it was.
So much of what I have purchased and own today was because I borrowed it from the library and fell in love. Family weekend activities always have centered around the library. Trips to the book store when we got some family spending money, and my children going "ooh THAT book is there? Wow, I borrowed that from the library and I love it, can I have it please?" and adding it to our basket.
The library has one thing that buying a book doesn't have. I have to return it. And if it is a popular item, I have to wait in line until people who got there first are done with it. Then, I only get to "keep" it short term. This is expected when I share one item with everyone in my area code.
I am finding the same thing with e-books I am borrowing. I cannot afford some of my current favorites at present, but when I have the book-spending budget available, and if I can, I will buy some because I *know* I am getting something I want.
I actually buy *more* books and media after previewing it from the library, than I used to after impulse purchases at the bookstore when I didn't really know what I was getting.
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