Addiction needs Intervention
Building a new library is tough. Lots of cities would like to build a new library. The internet has not diminished the need for libraries at all. In fact, circulation is up many places. But, getting the money for a new library is tough.
It really got under my skin when I read from the Hudson Star Observer, that Hudson, WI was going to be getting $150,000 of federal pork, to purchase land for a new library.
WHY?
Why, can't the federal government stop this addiction to earmarks?
Local libraries should be funded locally. No favorites from Big Brother.
No more election chest pounding, how much "free" money officials brought home.
It is an addiction. It needs an Intervention.
Posted on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 09:43AM
by
Al Arnold
in National Politics, Library
|
3 Comments
Al Arnold
in National Politics, Library
|
3 Comments
Reader Comments (3)
Pontificator,
Why I agree with your general premise concerning earmarks, and with your kind words concerning the value of libraries, with all the earmarks out there to hammer why do you need to pick on this one?
Libraries are the little sisters of community services. They are expected to raise money via bequests, bake sales, and everything in between. Friends of the Library groups exist in virtually every community with a library. They raise money to support library services on all levels, not just "frillish" things such as books and computers. In my community they raised money for a new HVAC system and an expanded parking lot!
How are libraries "rewarded" for these fundraising efforts? It's by local officials counting this as revenue, expecting this source of income to increase annually, and cutting the library budget as a reflection of this "windfall."
I will get off this soapbox when I see police departments selling cupcakes, fire departments hosting fundraisers, and Friends of the Water & Sewer Department sprouting up all over the country!
Well ... in my home town a Private non-profit has been formed to raise funds for the police dog program to insure its continued operation.
In the past few years a fundraiser purchased night vision stuff for our Fire Department.
Do these qualify enough to get you off your soapbox?
The Water and Sewer both raise rates. They don't need fundraisers.
I'm with you on this Al. And I've been through many an effort to fund a local library project.Intervention. I love it.