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Originally Posted by wizwor
I do. It's expensive to maintain a building, a staff, and a collection of movies and books. If the cost of these was paid entirely by patrons, there would be no patrons.
The public library was created to give people access to information in a day when there were no alternatives. Very few people used public libraries. Many could not read and many more could not get to the library. Public schools provide many more with much more -- including transportation. Most include a library that rivals the local public library.
To remain relevant, the libraries brought in resources not generally found in school libraries -- newspapers and magazines, then movies and audio books. It was cheaper to borrow consumer reports than subscribe to the magazine and you didn't have to store old editions. It was less expensive to borrow Jaws than to buy or rent it.
The internet has provided alternatives. Books are inexpensive and can be purchased without leaving the home. Unlimited access to movies can be had for pennies a day. A virtually unlimited collection of newspapers and magazines can be accessed for free. Many more can be accessed inexpensively. Product research is easier and many times more informative.
The response of the public libraries has been to provide free (as in other people pay for your use) access to for fee services (including museums and the internet).
Libraries do not serve their intended purpose, engage in acts that would be considered unlawful if practiced by other entities, unfairly compete with private enterprises, and are staffed by expensive people (the volunteers have been replaced by professionals; IT staff is now required).
While public libraries provide benefit to some members of society (especially those who draw a paycheck from one), there are other ways to spend the money that would provide more value to society.
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As much as I love books, it is sad that we decide to spend money on libraries while there is inadequate funding for housing and healthcare for the homeless. This being said, I am not totally convinced that there is not enough money for both causes. We just need to cut the government waste. There was a news story yesterday about the city of Detroit leasing a 2003 Dodge for 65,000 dollars. The only person who is happy about spending like that is the guy who owns the auto dealership who is leasing them the car.