13 of Cobb County's 17 libraries will close May 1

[JPD]

Originally Posted by MathmanMathman

Even so, we probably should be consolidating libraries. The internet is becoming ever more ubiquitous and as affordable as cable. Even computer prices are dropping. And eReaders are improving and are a green alternative to driving to the library to borrow some pressed dead trees.

Libraries are about far more than checking out books. They provide many valuable services for their communities. Consolidating libraries might sound good, but it would have many negative consequences that far outweigh the pittance of taxes that would be saved.

[neil0311]

Originally Posted by JPD

Libraries are about far more than checking out books. They provide many valuable services for their communities. Consolidating libraries might sound good, but it would have many negative consequences that far outweigh the pittance of taxes that would be saved.

Not sure it's a "pittance of taxes" but even if it truly is, consolidation may be necessary in some cases. In many cases research for students, video and music, and even books themselves can be accessed more conveniently over the Internet. The need for libraries is not what it was when I was a child.

I think you have to balance the need with the resources. I am not in favor of a wholesales closing of libraries just to save money, but I think any gov't or company has got to be constantly reviewing the products and services it sells or provides to determine if they are optimal or need to be tweaked to meet the new demand. That's just smart management.

[ATLTJL]

If there is any waste, it should be eliminated.

However, libraries are extremely important community centers. They provide safe places for people to relax, read, meet, etc. They also foster a love of reading and learning with children. Lots of people with young kids take them to the library for the different activities that they usually host.

You might say that the internet is making access to information easier, but nothing will ever replace good old fashioned phyical media plus an actual place for people to go. With the recent failures of Borders and continuing difficulties with other retail bookstores, I think you will see libraries become even more important as more bookstores close down.

When you realize that libraries are community centers, it's easy to see how important they are.

[MathmanMathman]

Originally Posted by JPD

Libraries are about far more than checking out books. They provide many valuable services for their communities. Consolidating libraries might sound good, but it would have many negative consequences that far outweigh the pittance of taxes that would be saved.

Well, just about everyone here wants them for checking out books and other media. But we are moving toward the electronic era and many additional services libraries provide are better done on-line. Hence, we need fewer libraries. I really don't think any negative consequences of fewer libraries will be that great. If anything, fewer libraries means more money for each branch.

[MathmanMathman]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

If there is any waste, it should be eliminated.

However, libraries are extremely important community centers. They provide safe places for people to relax, read, meet, etc. They also foster a love of reading and learning with children. Lots of people with young kids take them to the library for the different activities that they usually host.

You might say that the internet is making access to information easier, but nothing will ever replace good old fashioned phyical media plus an actual place for people to go. With the recent failures of Borders and continuing difficulties with other retail bookstores, I think you will see libraries become even more important as more bookstores close down.

When you realize that libraries are community centers, it's easy to see how important they are.

Libraries can still do this. We just need far fewer of them.

But really, I see more of the above described activity, sans children, at the Starbucks at Tech Square. Might be better to give coffee shops steep tax breaks and free electricity if they'll cultivate such an environment.

[JPD]

Originally Posted by MathmanMathman

Well, just about everyone here wants them for checking out books and other media. But we are moving toward the electronic era and many additional services libraries provide are better done on-line. Hence, we need fewer libraries. I really don't think any negative consequences of fewer libraries will be that great. If anything, fewer libraries means more money for each branch.

No it doesn't.