Quote:
Originally Posted by DNSB
As for the local library being free? Last time I looked, the taxpayers pay for the majority of the local library expenses out of their tax payments in addition to donations and other income sources. TANSTAAFL.
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The Library makes a loss. It's free for all residents, not just the ones that pay tax. A social service. The libraries here have no donations or other income.
But taxes pay also for the public parks, which are also free to use.
Taxes pay for the pavements and street lights, which are free to use.
There are maybe four or five tolls (a couple of bridges, a tunnel, a road or two). The rest of the roads free and paid for by taxes.
Bus & train (and some other services) are free for over 65 and some other people, and often a companion.
The TV licence is free for age 70 and up and some other people, otherwise €160 p.a.
Only people above a certain income pay income tax. Certain incomes can be tax free. Companies d other business also pay tax. Food and children's clothes/footwear have no VAT.
Dental, hospital, doctors and prescriptions can be free and are also subsidised for those that pay.
So in the normal sense of the word Irish Libraries are free, but don't advertise free books, they are loans (even the ebooks & audio books not monitored like KU), yet KU advertises free titles and it's a subscription service and loans with pervasive tracking.