How is the library system and water quality? (Houston: rent, neighborhoods)

[pomona]

After reading all the great posts about Houston, I'd like to know the state of the library system ~~ here in NE Florida the city is cutting jobs and hours, thereby lowering quality of life and a vital service -- I rent most DVDs there, watch YouTube and use the computers for resume updates, etc. Also which neighborhoods have libraries and are any open on Sundays?

On a different tangent but tied to quality of life ~~ how is the water quality? FL water is awful, full of brown minerals and chemicals. All these details are hard to find from visitors guides and we want to move outta FL.

[cheryjohns]

Libraries are not open on Sunday - and all are not open on Saturday. They experienced budget cuts, along with the rest of the country.

Water differs in different areas - if you are not in the city water district - you are in a neighborhood utility district (majority) and quality changes district by district. Some have much harder water, and residents may use a water softener. I live in a MUD (Municipal Utilty district) now and the city of Houston district for a long time - I don't ever remember any floaties or bad taste. We get periodical reports from our MUD - chemicals within allowables.

[Dopo]

I can't believe that any politician in this World would cut funding for libraries.

[pomona]

Thank you cheryjohns and Dopo ~ I guess water quality in the south near the coast isn't going to be pristine........ I use water filters anyhow, but I just wondered if anything was worse than here in NE Florida. I agree about the library cuts, what kind of society will we have with ignorant people? My love of books and reading began in the library.

[jtothemak]

I lived in Florida, I would say most places have better water here but as stated some area can have very hard water. It drives my wife crazy and I hear at least once a week how she wanted to get an overpriced water softener.

Water has minerals in it, they may make the water not look as clear but they are not harmful. If you have someone come out to test your water to sell you water purification they will make it look so horrible.

[Svensk08]

Originally Posted by Dopo

I can't believe that any politician in this World would cut funding for libraries.

Believe it -- because it's been done here in Houston!

The result: Shorter hours for patrons. Reduced professional staff, with librarians spread thinly among several branches. Fewer purchases of new books and media.

Of course, it could be worse. Friends in Oregon tell me their local public library was forced to close in order to support essential services like fire and police.

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by Svensk08

Believe it -- because it's been done here in Houston!

The result: Shorter hours for patrons. Reduced professional staff, with librarians spread thinly among several branches. Fewer purchases of new books and media.

Of course, it could be worse. Friends in Oregon tell me their local public library was forced to close in order to support essential services like fire and police.

I know! We may think that it's bad to cut hours - but when you think of what other cities are having to do to make ends meet, you realize Houston is in pretty good shape compared. At least our police and firemen are not making minimum wage, like Scranton, PA.

[vegankris]

Originally Posted by Dopo

I can't believe that any politician in this World would cut funding for libraries.

I know right!?!? The less educated ones are easier to control so let's take away their access to books.

[Kannadiga]

Funding cuts for libraries are done because it's easy to justify it over let's say, cutting police forces or firemen. People in power and capable of forming a wider opinion do not go to libraries anymore. They get all the knowledge they need without even having to step out. At the very least, libraries teach you patience and concentration. But hey, aren't these two virtues nerdy and uncool? Can't help it.

[Felixmp]

I think the water quality is ok depending upon what your going to use it for. I'll drink it no problem, but you won't catch me taking a shower with it....only use bottled water for that. Expensive showers, but I sure do feel clean.