Why do we even need public libraries anymore?
I mean, seriously?
You are right. Libraries are becoming obsolete. There are no longer needed.
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.