"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
For as long as any of us can remember, the Public Library has been one of our staples.
But in these days of wide-ranging internet access and downloadable "e-books," we can't help but wonder if libraries are becoming obsolete.
Certainly, our ability to pay for them is under scrutiny.
County Commissioners are considering cutting funding to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg library system in this year's budget.
In the 2008/2009 library budgets, over $26 million dollars went toward salaries and benefits.
That's more than 10 times what was spent on books and materials.
We understand how important libraries are to those who use them. But the question now is, "Can we afford them?"
Last year, people were willing to step up and raise money for their libraries when doors were threatened to be closed.
Will they continue to do that year after year?
Perhaps libraries should consider charging those who can afford it a small fee for their services to help off-set the deficit.
Is it blasphemy to consider "renting" books rather than just "loaning" them?
Maybe, but we think that unless some creative, and perhaps "painful," changes are made, there may not be any more libraries around at all.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
