[Publib] Re: Wall Street Journal Weighs In on Public Libraries

[Whitewright Public Library]

At 06:41 AM 1/4/2007, Dale McNeill wrote:
>In my opinion, and only my opinion, those who seem most surprised by what 
>public libraries *are* usually have their minds clearly on what they 
>imagine public libraries *used to be*.  Some of these folks haven't been 
>inside a library in years.  But their observations will only be one part 
>of the community conversation if the library has already engaged the 
>community.

I think you've hit the nail on the head. We have annual struggles with our 
County Commissioners, who were trying to cut all library funding for the 
last few years. One Commissioner (who is the representative for our 
district, and we're the only library in his district) basically said he 
couldn't understand why there's a need for a public library when the public 
schools and colleges have their own libraries. He's one that thinks once 
you graduate, you need never set foot in a library ever again. He was also 
quoted as saying people can just buy books at Wal-Mart, so why should the 
library provide them for free? ::sigh::

For people like him, libraries are places full of dusty tomes for research 
use only. You just don't read for fun or self education, and they can't 
understand why anyone would want to do so.

Chris Ely
=====================
Whitewright Public Library, Whitewright, Texas
www.whitewright.lib.tx.us  <wwpl at texoma.net>

You want weapons? We're in a library. Books! Best weapons in the world! 
This room is the greatest arsenal we could have. ~ Doctor Who