Why do we even need public libraries anymore?
Overspending at the libraries needs to be cut. I do support Christie. But, around here, where we live in NJ, the libraries are great. I'd rather see the public schools close, all schools go private, and the libraries take over all services. ;-) Government (state, local or federal) should not be in charge of telling our children what to think. However, freedom of information is an important role for government.
Maybe libraries in other places aren't as nice as ours. In addition to books, computers, internet, and wifi, our local libraries offer classes, book clubs, teen clubs, senior clubs, etc., all run by the librarians themselves, and the librarians themselves are very knowledgeable. Also, groups of people can reserve meeting rooms.
Plus, where we live, with a library card, you can access the library database from home to do research, take online courses, practice tests, and so on.
Unlike other gov't services, the libraries (around here, anyway) are more dependent on supply and demand. If they offer a service/program that no one uses, it's cut. Library services are always first to be cut. Plus, the patrons do pay for services: People pay to make copies or print pages. If you're late in returning books or videos, you pay late fees. Organizations raise money for the libraries through used book sales. So, there are private funds invested into the libraries, and the cost for taxpayers is small in comparison with other services.
Again, there's some overspending, in some cases, which needs to be cut. But, overall, the libraries can be invaluable, when they're run the right way.
I understand, you have good public libraries and there is probably some particular aspect of the system you use quite a lot and naturally you don’t want to see it get the axe.
Here is my problem with all that. If these libraries are really this terrific, and people pay for some/many of the services anyway - why does the government need to run it? I mean, if it is popular enough, the private market will fill the void and create its own version of libraries. Some bookstores already do similar things.
The thing is, everyone has their particular service or favorite program they don’t want to see cut. We all look at things with our own perspective. Someone who depends or enjoys some other thing government does would make a similar argument as to why their program shouldn’t see any reduced funding.
I get what your saying, and it does sound like your libraries are pretty darn nice. Still, in my opinion, if your local library is that awesome, I just don’t see why your community can’t pitch in their own money to pay for it. Why should other tax payers be forced to pay for a service that really isn’t a necessity anymore. Is it nice? Sure, but in this day and age the library really and truly isn’t something you can’t do without.
NJ is pretty much broke. Everyone’s programs are going to have to be cut, and programs that are not essential will need to be cut more than others.
While we may disagree, I do appreciate the detailed response.