Library Dust

Michael McGrorty, the blogger behind "Library Dust" is creating a list of endangered libraries. So far, there are four library systems listed, and it's interesting to note that the reasons are all having to do with shortfall of available funds.

In many cases, ballot initiatives to raise taxes for libraries are being voted down. For whatever the reasons, voters are not seeing public libraries as important enough to warrant higher taxes.

Could it be that taxes are too high as it is?

Could it be that people are finding the Internet as adequate for research?

Could it be that people have less time to visit libraries?

It's probably all of the above.

I certainly don't want to see libraries turn to dust. But I think the old model of having local governments manage and fund libraries is coming to an end. Instead, I would like to see private organizations step up to create collections that they take an interest in. Historical societies already do this. How about helping our local churches do this too? How about helping local Chambers of Commerce create business libraries?

I would like to see our lawmakers create legislation that removes whatever roadblocks that make it difficult for these organizatiosn to do so.