How much do you use your library? (And how much money does it save you?)

[Kathryn, The Princess of Picture-Books]

Thomas wrote: "I hate to say that we don't use ours often at all, if any due to the following factors: The distance, parking situation, and new fees due to the county's financial support was wrestled away by the ..."

Ah, I'm so sorry to hear about your library situation, Thomas. That's such a shame.

Our library district is almost the complete opposite in that they no longer even charge fines for overdue materials in an effort to encourage more patrons. The only way you have to pay anything is if you lose it.

As for the quiet/noisy situation, our libraries were pretty noisy before COVID. I honestly didn't like browsing or taking my kids there -- it had become a playground rather than a place to browse and read and, while I understand that there is a need for community centers (and perhaps better for some children to be there where at least they are surrounded by books and might be encouraged to pick one up), I do sincerely wish that there were "quiet hours" when such play and socializing is not permitted. When our libraries first opened after the COVID closures, it was bliss for me! At first, it was by appointment only and my children and I were the only ones in there. Oh my goodness, was that wonderful! Then, it was open browsing but no seating or congregating... when this was still a new thing and most people didn't know about it, it was still pretty empty and quiet. Now, it's busier and, with it being summer, more kids are in there so it's getting noisy again. All the children's programs are still being held outside at a nearby so at least there isn't that to contend with (if you like quiet you really, really don't want to be in the library during the Music and Movement program!)

[Manybooks, Fiction Club host]

Lisa (not getting friends updates) wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "Having fees for public library use is such a great way to encourage literacy, NOT! "

I agree. I think it's horrible. There are communities with no public libraries at all and tha..."

And it is often public libraries that have their funding cut if politicians want to save money or redirect funds.

[Lisa]

Manybooks wrote: "And it is often public libraries that have their funding cut if politicians want to save money or redirect funds. "

That is tragic. I'm scared of having to live some place that does not have a good and free library. I would not fare well.

[Thomas]

Manybooks wrote: "Thomas wrote: "I hate to say that we don't use ours often at all, if any due to the following factors: The distance, parking situation, and new fees due to the county's financial support was wrestl..."

You ain't jussa kiddin' either! Education via literacy is a long term investment in any local or national economy. But what can I say, when our state is solely dependent upon the antiquated sales, property, and use tax system coupled with corporate tax incentives. Our representatives do not equate a generation's embracing a love for reading and curiosity into a thriving, more stable economic base.

[Manybooks, Fiction Club host]

Lisa (not getting friends updates) wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "And it is often public libraries that have their funding cut if politicians want to save money or redirect funds. "

That is tragic. I'm scared of having to live some place that d..."

Yup, tragic and frustrating ...