Quote:
Originally Posted by darryl
Libraries are absolutely not charities. i'm not sure where you came across your definitiion of charity in your earlier post or in fact whether you made it up.
Charity Definition
For example:
The common factor in all of these is "need". As I'm sure you are aware, libraries cater for a diversity of people. Some are no doubt in need. And others are not. Libraries are not charities supporting the needy. They are organisation providing services to their communities, and are very much part of those communities. Like public schools, need has nothing to do with it. Schools, libraries and many other things are part of the infrastructure provided to members of a civilised society. They benefit the society as a whole and its members, including both needy and comfortable. And, as Meeera said, they are far more than just a collection of books. I would add that this has never been truer, as many libraries have diversified extensively in modern times as a response to technology. |
OED since unlike some, I don't have to make things up or twist words around to try prove my point.
Other definitions of charity in the OED that are to the point -
4. Benevolence to one's neighbours, especially to the poor; the practical beneficences in which this manifests itself.
5. That which is given in charity; alms.
6. A bequest, foundation, institution, etc., for the benefit of others, esp. of the poor or helpless.
Libraries qualify on a number of levels. I can understand some people's reflexive reaction to the idea that they take charity. But that's what things like libraries and parks typically are.
Historically, in 1919, roughly half of the libraries (around 1500) in the US were built using funds donated by Andrew Carnegie. My local library, the Atlanta Public Library was built using a Carnegie grant in 1902 (one of the first public libraries according to the library web site). Many parks were either donated or are maintained via donations.
Really, the point is hardly controversial. In the US, charity is the driving force behind many public institutions - libraries, schools, hospitals, parks. There are also a lot of organizations for feeding those in need, not just poor, but elderly who have trouble cooking for themselves as well.
Here is the URL for Meals on Wheels, just beware of the pop up that ask you to donate.
https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
I'm not sure why some seem to think that charity only applies to the poor or those "in need". Charity commonly applies to works done for the public good as well. The two most common charities in the US are universities, some of which have received billions in donations, and the various churches. Charities such as the Sierra Club in the US have nothing to do with the poor or those in need, but rather have much to do with the public good.
Just remember that the word "especially" does not mean exclusively.