Comments on: Local libraries' budgetary issues — and solutions http://www.wordbits.net/2010/04/29/are-libraries-checking-out/ Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:31:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Alison http://www.wordbits.net/2010/04/29/are-libraries-checking-out/comment-page-1/#comment-1728 Alison Mon, 03 May 2010 16:56:12 +0000 http://www.wordbits.net/?p=130#comment-1728 One issue with regionalizing libraries is that town libraries can serve as a community hub in these days when small towns often have no other. Our library (Boylston) has tried repeatedly to expand or to build a new building, and has not succeeded. It's true that many of the towns around have succeeded where Boylston has failed, but I'd rather have our small local library and interlibrary loan than be forced to go to other towns' libraries (although I do often choose to do just that). And the MBLC forces towns to "own" a library of some kind if the citizens of that town want to use the regional library system. Schools are funded by the towns but provide services to only a small proportion of the population, while libraries are for everyone, and provide a place where anyone who is motivated can learn about nearly whatever they wish. I hope not to ever see an end to libraries! One issue with regionalizing libraries is that town libraries can serve as a community hub in these days when small towns often have no other. Our library (Boylston) has tried repeatedly to expand or to build a new building, and has not succeeded. It's true that many of the towns around have succeeded where Boylston has failed, but I'd rather have our small local library and interlibrary loan than be forced to go to other towns' libraries (although I do often choose to do just that). And the MBLC forces towns to "own" a library of some kind if the citizens of that town want to use the regional library system.

Schools are funded by the towns but provide services to only a small proportion of the population, while libraries are for everyone, and provide a place where anyone who is motivated can learn about nearly whatever they wish. I hope not to ever see an end to libraries!

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