Fitchburg Library (Madison, Raymond, Dane: how much, home, university)

[Megan1967]

Anyone know if the referendum passed?

[Harpoon]

It failed.

[arangoa79]

Good news

[Megan1967]

I just found out that the referendum for the building passed, just not the referendum for the funding.

[gold*dust1]

Funny how some living in a place that want recognition in their own right, don't want to pay for their own library. Time to find a donating millionarie.

[arangoa79]

Are libraries even usefull anymore? Aside from a place to go and study, I never used it during my undergrad or graduate studies. The internet was my new source of info. Actually never mind, I guess for the less fortunate it is needed.

[gold*dust1]

Originally Posted by arangoa79

Are libraries even usefull anymore? Aside from a place to go and study, I never used it during my undergrad or graduate studies. The internet was my new source of info. Actually never mind, I guess for the less fortunate it is needed.

Wow, the word elitist comes to mind. What a strange thing to say

[sirron]

I think it's a common misconception today that libraries are outdated, mainly because many folks aren't aware of how much they offer. I work in a university library in Pennsylvania, and before that worked at a small public library. At our university library, we lend out laptops for students who cannot afford one but need it for certain classes. There are PCs available for reference and writing papers. We even lend digital cameras, camcorders, even calculators. At the public library, there are children's programs almost year around, dozens of periodicals you can read for free, and of course books. They also have PCs for public use, and sometimes have exhibits from the local historical museum. So, at the risk of sounding like an advertisement, libraries are very much useful, even in the current age.

[Davryn]

The Public Library System is one of the BEST uses of my tax dollars. I still prefer to read a book or manual on printed paper than from a monitor screen. My eyes prefer it too!

Also, getting away from this box and out into society is a good thing. It is too easy to work all day then come home to the comp or television. When I walk into our library, I see all sorts of subjects that I might not have thought of otherwise. Opens up possibilities. The internet is a lot like this too. You start out searching one subject then end up far down a chain of separate searches wondering what it was you came online for!

Both systems have their pros and cons. I am not ready to relinquish the library system nor the hope that some nearby neighboring child still toddles into their local library and feels a sense of awe at the mystery and magic that awaits them.

[BostonTourist]

I think Madison/Dane County has plenty of library branches and Fitchburg does not NEED one, particularly one so expensive. The library was apparently voted for, but then people started whining about the expense. There's a saying that applies here; "be careful what you wish for, you just might get it."

I live here in Fitchburg and have usually used the Raymond Road or Midvale branches. I don't see any need at all for a new library here. People are willing to drive all over Madison for various reasons, why not to the nearest branch of the library?

I'd really like to hear valid reasons why we NEED a library, other than some people seem to think Fitchburg needs the status of having it's own library. I've heard plenty of opinions, but nothing really justifies a need. I'd rather put the extra money for a library into police and fire protection, something that the community really does NEED.