I always get a bit sad when I read this kind of rants. Why is it that people like this D(r)eary-person never see the long-term values in things. He talks about his book sales here and now - tomorrow and the following years. But what happens after that?
Persons expressing such views are in my opinion very narrow-minded, to say it kindly, and only focused on themselves. He wants to remove maths from the schools just because
he doesn't see the value. He wants to remove the libraries because
he doesn't see the value - and everyone else who sees a value be damned.
I have never written children's books, but I'm quite sure that "even" writers of childrens books need to do some research or gathering some references? At least if you write for middle grade and up. So where does this particular person do his research? I know for a fact that most writers of non-fiction and many writers of fiction too uses the libraries for their research. Libraries actually gives something back to the authors besides new readers, sold books and free publicity. The library is, because of the freedon the libraries are given, a place for authors to research and get new facts and ideas.
Even though he's a best-selling author right here and now, does he think that popularity will last forever? When he's old and gray, I bet his books will still make some money - not because the libraries "steal" money from him, but because some of his books are preserved in the library and is read by someone who later buys his books too?
I say the libraries are more relevant than ever:
-more books than ever are produced and published. These must be preserved for the future, and the only suitable organisation to take that responsibility is the libraries. Authors and publishers doesn't have the means nor the economics to preserve stuff.
-with more books, more information on the internet, more information everywhere (we're practically drowning in information) it's often crucial to have access to a librarian. I bet even mr. Deary have used the knowledge of the librarians during his literary career.
-libraries create and educate new readers.
-libraries are much more than books. They are a creative arena for reading circles, study groups, and a very nice place for browsing books.
-if you are looking for a specific older book, the library is the best place to start. Books doesn't live very long on the shelves in a bookstore, and in just a few decades it becomes impossible to get - except for in the libraries.
At the end of this rant, I would like to propose a toast to the libraries.
May they live long and prosper.
