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Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2002 18:31:19 -0800 (PST) From: "Lisa Richland" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: publib <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Difficult Library questions I've heard all of these, and when I can remain calm, I answer this way: 1. Your building is so big, how could you need money? The lawn in front of the library is so large, what a waste of money, I'm not going to vote for a library measure. ANSWER: The Library is a resource for the entire community, from infants to the elderly. We take our membership in the community seriously, and as good neighbors, we keep our house orderly and attractive. In order to plan conservatively for the future, we have provided room for growth as the community's needs grow. 2. I don't need the library. I have the internet. ANSWER: Why don't you let me show you the special resources we have available through the Internet. These are tools that will help you make better use of your Internet access. 3. Paperbacks are cheap. I'll buy my books instead. ANSWER: The Friends of the Library runs a Booksale room downstairs. Perhaps you can find a used book there. We use the funds they raise to support some of our library enhancements. 4. Libraries are good for children, but not adults. I don't have any children, I'm not voting for library measures. ANSWER: Do you play bridge? We have a Thursday afternoon Bridge group that meets here. They are mostly older folks who enjoy getting together once a week. We recently purchased a new collection of fly fishing, golf, cooking, origami (your idea here) videos. Do you have a new hobby you'd like more information about? 5. The reserve list is too long. ANSWER: You are right. There are eight people waiting for this. I'll order another copy. 6. Why can't libraries do what businesses do and "trim the fat"--make their money go farther? ANSWER: We have 7,500 cardholders and a budget of $400,000. That's about $53.00 per library patron per year. That would be two new best sellers and three video rentals. Instead, you have access to 3500 movies and 35,000 books right here. 7. Librarians sell porn (courtesy of the now faint memory of Dr. Laura) ANSWER: No we don't, we lend it. (sorry, I was getting too serious there) 8. Why can't the staff be volunteers? ANSWER: We do have some volunteers here. The Library Board members contribute their time. The Friends of the Library volunteer to run a book sale and several special programs a year to raise funds to enhance our programs. Sometimes people volunteer their time as circulation desk assistants, but we have to have consistent attendance and coverage. 9. Libraries are white elephants. ANSWER: Libraries provide free warmth in the winter, free cool in the summer, a sympathetic listener and place to go after school. They provide information and entertainment, answers to questions and support for students of all ages. You can be proud that you live in a community that enthusiastically supports its library. .and that's MY opinion. Lisa Richland, Director Floyd Memorial Library (The last library before Portugal) Greenport, NY=20 --------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Include in body: unsubscribe ctls-l For information on CTLS-L please visit: http://www.ctls.net/document/ctls-l.htm
