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Posted by Bill on May 5, 2008, 9:19 am
Our library needs to get the voters to re-approve its funding every so many
years. They were having a difficult time getting the voters to vote yes.
I pointed out that many people do not read books. They watch TV, play video
games, etc. So I suggested the library offer something to the non-book
readers. Perhaps loan sports equipment, movies, video games, etc. Whatever.
My suggestion went in one ear and out the other. They lost at the next
election.
Anyway I think it is a good idea. Might get more people yes for libraries if
they also provide services for the non-book readers.
"Bob" wrote in message
> There was an article in Saturday's paper about our local library
> considering lending tools as well as books. It mentioned such things as
> cement mixers, saws, etc.
>
> At first, I thought it was an interesting idea, but on second thought I
> imagined how those tools could, and probably would, be abused by people
> who don't know how to use them or care for them, or just don't care.
>
> For example:
> "I didn't know you weren't supposed to cut tile with a skill saw".
> "I didn't realize there were nails in that old 2 X 4 - but the saw cut
> them pretty good".
> "Rain wasn't forecast, so I thought it would be okay to leave the miter
> saw outside since I was going to use it in the morning".
> "I thought I'd washed the concrete mixer pretty good - guess not".
> Etc - etc.
>
> Then there is the liability problem:
> "Your Honor, nobody showed me how to use that router well enough, and
> that's how I lost a finger, and why I am suing the city".
>
> The article said there are other libraries that loan tools. Is anyone
> aware of this practice and how it works in reality?
>
> Just curious - Bob-tx
>
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