Poll: Should Libraries Charge Fees for 'Popular' Books?
In a declining economy and time when libraries are closing their doors, is it acceptable to charge patrons to read books?
When I stopped in the Newport Public Library Monday afternoon to pick up a book I ordered online, I was surprised when the librarian told me they had the book — for a small fee.
The Newport and Middletown libraries, as well as a number of other libraries throughout the state, have been charging patrons a small fee for newly-released "popular" books. (It is unknown if the Portsmouth Free Public Library charges for books.)
The book I ordered, Stephen King's "The Wind Through The Keyhole," would cost me 25 cents per day I rented the book. I could add my name to the waiting list, but there were already 34 holds on it.
I agreed to pay the costs, but it made think about public services and libraries.
In a time when more and more libraries are closing their doors, like the Anne Ide Fuller and Rumford Branch Libraries in East Providence, does it make sense to charge fees for public services? Even Benjamin Franklin, who is credited with founding the first lending library in this country, sold "shares" to borrow literature.
I posted this question on Portsmouth Patch's Facebook page late Monday afternoon. Here's what a few users had to say:
Mary Beaudoin Alexandre: Barrington Public library has been doing this for years
Julie Barrett: and also several libraries in RI have closed, as of friday. i just need to set up a box outside my house, put books i've read from the publishers in it, and let others know, come by and exchange for some you've read.
Donna Nathlar Barone: That's weird....I'm pretty sure it's called Portsmouth Free Library for a reason.
Chris Redfern Carceller: year after year, our town council gives our library the minimum amount it needs to get matching funds from the state. They need more than they get, so maybe our town needs to give more or people need to donate more so all books are rent free. Just a thought.
What do you think about this? Should libraries charge a fee to rent out books? Tell us in the poll and comment section below!
In This article
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Newport Public Library
300 Spring St, Newport, RI -
Portsmouth Free Public Library
2658 E Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI
Albert Cabestany
7:45 am on Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Keep this up, and the sooner all citizens will go electronic. Isn't this the aim of socialism?
pam
8:29 am on Tuesday, May 1, 2012
I don't mind the small fee to read a new book since it could cost 20 or more to purchase it. I've rented many books and the most I've paid is $2 but I'm a quick reader.
Jason Brown
9:01 am on Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The only thing stopping my wife from getting a Kindle is the fact she can still get a good book for free from the library (and likes the nostalgic feeling of holding the book in her hands). However, this may push her (and others) into the electronic age. Libraries keep the same model, but offer titles electronically, with the same late payment (users have a credit crd on file). The library itself could still be a community meeting place for family events (which we always need more of).
Colleen L.
11:54 am on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
There are not any fines for electronic titles (Kindle, iPhone, iPad, Nook, etc). The item disappears on the day it is due.
Carol Belair
9:51 am on Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Wow! Tough one. Back in the days of one income and three children, the public library was a life saver for me. I am an avowed Kindle reader today, but anyone who has visited a library recently knows libraries meet so many diverse needs of families today. As a community we must support them. Who determines "popular" books? The cost of children's books has become prohibitive for young families. They must remain free!
Regina Slezak
2:35 pm on Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Newport Public Library does not charge for the use of its popular materials. It has multiple copies for many of them including books, DVD's, Audio-Books, and music CD's. It also has had, for close to 20 years, a small rental collection which is very popular with people who read fast and want to read a new title without waiting for one of our other copies to be returned. All the books in the rental collection are duplicates of books that are available in our regular collection.
Regina Slezak, Director, Newport Public Library
nptresident
6:36 pm on Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Thank you for clearing that up! The Newport Public Library is such a great resource!
Newport Public Library Reference
3:16 pm on Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Actually, you can get a good book for free *for your kindle* from the library. We have thousands of them (and counting). Give us a call (847-8720 x208) and we'll tell you how it works, or check out our webpage: http://www.newportlibraryri.org/npl/books-reading/ebook-how-to/