Public Library?? Pt. 2
07/25/2005
Literacy took another hit today.
:(
I visited the other PUBLIC library in my county today and decided to see if I could get a pass there. All I needed in order to receive a library card was my name, telephone number, and mailing address. As the lady handed me my new library card, I was told, "Since you live in the other city code, come September, if you want to use this facility, you will be required to pay an annual fee of $50.
In the past, I have always purchased the books I wanted to read. I have been able to find them through yard sales, library book sales, and gift from friends. I desired a card in order to read the books I have wanted to read for a long time like, Homers, the Odyssee and The Approcrypha. My hope was that it would free me to go deeper into the words of Poets who have interested me forever like Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, ee cummings, Saul Williams.
I thought that I would finally be able to learn more about The Trail of Tears and The final moments of Slavery in America. I was hoping to learn more about life, history, the world, and me.
The public library system in my state has let me know that it’s not interested in my learning, imagination, or desire. It has let me know that it’s more interested in the bottom line.
True, I could use the facility in my city. It’s about the same distance away as the other building. But what about those who, like me, are basically on the line between two cities, or in one city but much closer to the "other" county library and are unable to pay the fees?
Goodness help those who do not have the resources to pay the annual fee.
Goodness help those who learn that Public facilities have priced them out.
Too bad for literacy. I wonder how it nurses its black eye.
Peace and sadness,
zss
© 2005 Wrosesongs
All Rights Reserved
Literacy took another hit today.
:(
I visited the other PUBLIC library in my county today and decided to see if I could get a pass there. All I needed in order to receive a library card was my name, telephone number, and mailing address. As the lady handed me my new library card, I was told, "Since you live in the other city code, come September, if you want to use this facility, you will be required to pay an annual fee of $50.
In the past, I have always purchased the books I wanted to read. I have been able to find them through yard sales, library book sales, and gift from friends. I desired a card in order to read the books I have wanted to read for a long time like, Homers, the Odyssee and The Approcrypha. My hope was that it would free me to go deeper into the words of Poets who have interested me forever like Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, ee cummings, Saul Williams.
I thought that I would finally be able to learn more about The Trail of Tears and The final moments of Slavery in America. I was hoping to learn more about life, history, the world, and me.
The public library system in my state has let me know that it’s not interested in my learning, imagination, or desire. It has let me know that it’s more interested in the bottom line.
True, I could use the facility in my city. It’s about the same distance away as the other building. But what about those who, like me, are basically on the line between two cities, or in one city but much closer to the "other" county library and are unable to pay the fees?
Goodness help those who do not have the resources to pay the annual fee.
Goodness help those who learn that Public facilities have priced them out.
Too bad for literacy. I wonder how it nurses its black eye.
Peace and sadness,
zss
© 2005 Wrosesongs
All Rights Reserved
posted by I am Z @ 8:22 PM
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