KLRU
Against Spending Too Much on a Central Library
RECEIVED Wed., Nov. 1, 2006
Dear Editor,
Ninety million for a new central library because the old one is "severely overcrowded, the building is heavily worn from overuse" is absurd. Here's a quick fix. How about we spend $9 million to clean the existing library up and rent some long-term storage for more books. UT's library works pretty good without having shelf space for every book in their catalog. And can't the cultural facilities raise their own money? Last time I checked people weren't moving to Austin because we have a central library and a cultural center. Get real. How about supporting some fiscal responsibility in government for a change? There is nothing wrong with the current library.
Ninety million for a new central library because the old one is "severely overcrowded, the building is heavily worn from overuse" is absurd. Here's a quick fix. How about we spend $9 million to clean the existing library up and rent some long-term storage for more books. UT's library works pretty good without having shelf space for every book in their catalog. And can't the cultural facilities raise their own money? Last time I checked people weren't moving to Austin because we have a central library and a cultural center. Get real. How about supporting some fiscal responsibility in government for a change? There is nothing wrong with the current library.
John Phillippe
