[Publib] Wall Street Journal Weighs In On Public Libraries

[Bruce Bumbalough]

We are not telling them what they can read.  We are telling them what 
they can borrow from the local library.   It is not the library's fault 
or obligation to replace a bookstore if no big box outfit elects to 
build in a community.

Personally I think a library that weeds Hemingway because it hasn't 
circulated is missing the boat.  There are titles the public expects a 
library to have -- Hemingway, Faulkner, Shakespeare, Plato, Wheatley, 
Alcott, Austen, Dickens and countless others fall into that category.  


Kathleen McCorkle wrote:
> ""public and one that merely uses tax dollars to subsidize the recreational
> habits of bookworms.""
>
> Since we live in an area that has no bookstore, (85 mile round trip)
> Hemingway is a little advanced for children and the seniors have already
> read it,
> are we now supposed to tell people what they can read?
> I always thought libraries were so people could afford to read and practice
> does make us better readers.
> Many people in our area do buy books but most can not afford that luxury.
> I wonder what will be considered classics in another 50 years?
> I am admitting I love to read so is that bad?
> I admit I am confused.
>
>   


-- 
Bruce L. Bumbalough
Reference Librarian
Grapevine Public Library
1201 Municipal Way
Grapevine, Texas 76051

Voice: (817) 410-3404
Fax:   (817) 410-3084
email: bbumbalough at grapevine.lib.tx.us

The opinions are mine.