Terminalcoffee discussion

http://www.theatlantic.com/national/a...

I have a library subscription which costs about as much as two new hardcover books. With this subscription I can borrow books, cd's, dvd's etc. for free. Everyone under 18 can borrow (most) materials for free, but when you're older you're paying. The libraries here still get most of their funding from the (local) government.

No.

It is a thought I guess. Off to contemplate a little more, but if it keeps the library open it would be a good thing.

I don't like the idea, but I'd probably go with it if it weren't too extravagant of a fee. Or if it were like Janine's one-time subscription for adults. I'd rather see them charge for that then close.
And that way all the people who use the computers, read in the room, go to the classes, use the AC on a hot day would still be able to come in without being forced to cough up money they may or may not have.

Our library has a $1 weekly rental option for new releases. I've done it a few times, rather than wait for the new book to be available the regular way. I don't mind it, as I have the choice. It's a well-run library system that needs every buck it can get.

Sarah Pi wrote: "I don't like the idea, but I'd probably go with it if it weren't too extravagant of a fee. Or if it were like Janine's one-time subscription for adults. I'd rather see them charge for that then cl..."

You pay per year, and there are different subscriptions available. It's also possible to pay less and pay an additional rental fee on the materials. I don't mind, as far as I know this is normal. And everyone who wants to go to the library to use the computers or read a magazine or look at books doesn't have to pay a thing as long as they don't take any of the materials home.

No. I pay state taxes so I am already paying to borrow from the local libraries.

I would not mind to see it in better economic times as I think It CPU dimly improve the services (better hours, more staff, newer computers, et al...) but my state is currently hovering at a 10% unemployment rate, a dip from 13%, a gov'tin shambles and a bankrupt pension system. Those who need the library services the most can least afford it right now.

Our library system here already raised all the fines and fees and they've been charging for DVDs for years now. They've also cut back hours drastically a couple of years ago. If they implement a new charge just to check out a book in the first place... Sheesh. I probably would cut WAY back.

I actually agree that they should. Times are achanging. My library keeps a small section of what is basically rental books and DVDs. For a quarter a day you get to read the best books and watch very recent movies. I like these options and this is usually the first section I browse.

Merck.

Sally wrote: "Merck."

Is that the daily stock tip?

Or another acronym challenge?

Yes, Jonathan is right. Go!

My ears run curiously kafkaesque

Lets create a poll where the members of TC pick my new name. Can someone create that for me? (::looks at the Dutch girl doing nothing currently::)

I can't do that. It's beyond my abilities this close to going home time. Janine can. She can do anything.

Please, Amesterdamian?

She's a Groningonian.

Bless you.

You're in a marvelous and delightful mood today.

**twirls**

The poll is up, and you should have received an invite (or two, I wasn't sure for a while) unless you're one of the 160 last people in the alfabetical list of group members.

I'm tired of giving in on everything that gives us a high quality collective civil life. Raises the damn taxes on millionnaires and quit cutting budgets on everything that pertains to the public good.

Of course, the people least likely to pay the fee are the very ones who have the most need for a free libray.

I feel that some public institutions and assets should be paid for by all of the public, not just the people that use them. That includes schools, parks, libraries, fire departments, streets, water pipes, you know stuff that makes a city or town a worthwhile place to live.

Use taxes and fees just provides an excuse to continue to cut funding.

janine wrote: "The poll is up, and you should have received an invite (or two, I wasn't sure for a while) unless you're one of the 160 last people in the alfabetical list of group members."

Or not, I didn't even get mine :(

On principal I'm with Ko, but all I know is that my library used to have 99% of what I desired, and now is hovering and 65. If it means that their purchase budget goes up, and depending how much it is, I guess I'd be happy to use the service.

The system is broke. It's not only the taxes, but the absolute waste of funds that the city govt squanders needlessly.

Lori wrote: "On principal I'm with Ko, but all I know is that my library used to have 99% of what I desired, and now is hovering and 65. If it means that their purchase budget goes up, and depending how much it..."

Trouble is it seems that rarely can people ever agree on what counts as waste. Nobody wants it, but everybody defines it differently.

Seattle is now separate from KCLS, I have to pay $5/bk to get one transferred. Many times it's the same for a good used copy and then I have the luxury of not paying a steep fee for overdue.

Lori wrote: "Seattle is now separate from KCLS, I have to pay $5/bk to get one transferred. Many times it's the same for a good used copy and then I have the luxury of not paying a steep fee for overdue."

That SUCKS, Lori. Every now and then the libraries around here threaten not to share with each other. That scares the hell out of me. I'm pretty sure my library pays a fee every time I request a book from another library, but it's pretty small.

Pat wrote: "I feel that some public institutions and assets should be paid for by all of the public, not just the people that use them. That includes schools, parks, libraries, fire departments, streets, wate..."

I agree with Pat.

I wouldn't have a problem with our library system charging a small fee for DVD rentals, but I don't want to have to rent a book. Our city and county taxes are extremely high so I figure I'm paying for renting books already. My sense is that the CPL system gets foundation money and private donor money, in addition to taxes.

The thread on library budget cuts:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Larry wrote: "She's a Groningonian."

Why is she Groning?

I ... uh ....

Because of your puns, Philiminator.

I pay a hefty amount extra on my property taxes to support my local library, so no, I should not have to pay an additional fee to use it.

NO! HELL NO on the rental fees. All people should have free access to everything in the library.

If a library is having financial trouble, increasing overdue fines substantially is a fair way to generate revenue. Libraries should also seek private donations and employ volunteer workers.

Koeeoaddi wrote: "What a horrible thought. No!

I'm willing to pay more state tax -- even a lot more -- to support mine, but IMO, books should always be freely loaned to whoever walks in.

Ko,
still apparently livin..."
I really wish we had a like button! I agree, Ko. Libraries are something that does not waste our tax money,

I don't like the idea, but since legislators are unwilling to raise my taxes a little bit to help fund public essentials like libraries, then I don't know what alternative they have when they face continued funding cuts. I'd rather pay $1-$2/week for a book than see services cut and hours reduced and staff laid off and doors locked.

Here in my corner of Massachusetts, several libraries are linked together and you can order books from any one of the linked libraries. I used to take books out from the Community College because they let you take the books out for a month instead of just two weeks. Plus you can renew two additional times. However, I'm addicted to buying my books so I haven't been to the library in a while (except to use the computer when mine crashes or I can't use the one at work).

The only time we get charged for a loan here is sometimes with interlibrary loan. I've never used the service myself, but when you request an ILL they warn you there could be a charge attached by the lending institution.

My library only charges a once a year $5 fee if you want to take out dvds. I've never been charged for an ILL and I used to drive them nuts with all my requests. "Used to" only because I've begun finding such great deals at BAM ($1-$3 for unused books on clearance) and I prowl flea markets and peddler's malls for used books. Our library is small and doesn't have a big selection of the genres I prefer. They have a ton of romance and that's the one thing I refuse to read. On top of that, when they do have selections in a series, they'll have, oh say, books 3,6 and 9. WTF? Hence, my repeated requests for an ILL.
I think if there is going to be a charge it should be a small once a year fee.

No fee. late fees yes. not to borrow books. that is what property taxes are for. In my town, there is no fee for residents. non-residents do pay for their library privileges but the library card from my town allows me to borrow books from 12 other towns, one of them the biggest city in the state. Plus I can request books from the state library and borrow ebooks from the state library on my Nook. Next to schools, libraries are the best vslue for the money.

Jimmy Fallon: "Thank you, libraries, for being a place to store all the old people we're not using anymore."

I do think my library could raise late fees for books: right now it's only 10 cents/day. They could raise it to 25 cents a day per book to raise revenue. They cut hours again: they either open 1 hour later in the morning or close 1 hour earlier in the evening.

In Minneapolis, we were grateful that there was a small late fee in general, but no late fees on children's books. I was forever discovering library board books in the car or behind the couch, and we were able to return them whenever we wished.

The author of the Atlantic piece talks of his town library and their circulation of 600,000. Our town of 50,000 people (half of them ISU students) had a circulation of 1.4 million items in 2010. We have a very busy library with lots of visitors.

In addition to checking out books, DVDs, etc. people visit our library to pick up tax forms, apply for Jobs (IA Workforce Development/unemployment kiosk) and just have a cool place to rest on a beastly hot day. Our reference librarians are very busy with general questions, and are of great assistance to people who speak languages other than English.

Many groups meet at the library--so many that folks have to reserve meeting rooms well in advance. The author states that "Libraries are no longer a gathering place." This is most definitely not true in Ames--we are a gathering place for teen roleplay groups, bridge clubs, service clubs, homework help, book groups, political groups and live concerts.

Our youth services department has daily activities for babies, toddlers, middle school students and teens. Story time is very popular and children's story time is offered in Spanish and several other languages.

Our library is a very hot spot to gather.

Same with ours, Cynthia. Both the large main branch (9 floors) and my local branch.

Our library is similar, Cynthia - a place where people meet to hook rugs, discuss books, have community meetings, listen to stories, meet authors, learn to read - which is why Fallon's comment about storing old people hit me the wrong way. He and his writers obviously haven't been to the library in a while. What's better for any age group than a place where you have free access to knowledge? (No rental fees, please!)

This article reminds me of people in Ames who don't see a need for our library to expand/add square footage because "We have the internets! Who needs books? Who needs reference librarians? Just Google it." They make me so STABBY.