Argumentative Essay
The technological advancements and ease of access to information through the internet have evoked debates about whether free public libraries are still practical in the contemporary world. The 21st century has completely changed the way people access and consume information. Even so, public libraries remain at the heart of communities. Accordingly, this paper supports the argument that free public libraries are still practical in the current world. They are a great source of information, educate people, and help save history.
The contemporary society has endowed people with access to information at the comfort of their homes through computers, and people do not have to go to libraries. The article “Can We Afford ‘Free’ Libraries?” asserts that libraries are progressively losing their relevance in society and should therefore not be free to the public. According to Johnson (2007), libraries are heading towards extinction as people who want to read can now go online and access content and even create their home libraries. Besides, the article claims that fees should be charged for those who need using libraries to avoid putting more expenses on those who do not need public libraries. The taxpayer’s money should instead be channeled to providing services such as the fire departments to create jobs for the community.
However, libraries are now more relevant to society than ever. Libraries offer a meeting place for diverse groups of people; they are a great source of information and help educate people( Berndtson, 2012). The article on “the worthwhile investment on free public libraries” agrees with this fact that public libraries help people self-educate and as well stop brain drain in communities. While it is true that people can now learn by browsing on their computers in their homes, there are many distractions involved with this kind of learning; libraries offer a serene atmosphere conducive to study.
Also, libraries are a great place to save and retrieve history. It is true as the article on “the worthwhile investment on free public libraries” puts it that Libraries are fountain for local history as when people work together and share community history, they are inspired to innovate, collaborate and invest in those around them. Great information regarding a particular community can only be found in libraries. They form a hub for community activities and offer services which other facilities charge expensively for the ordinary citizen to afford. Education is more than just reading books. Libraries expose people to diversity in culture through films and music, helping them to learn about cultures they could have otherwise not known of their existence.
Public libraries should be free for all people. Access to intent in communities is still limited. The implication of free public library to the community means that such people have access to resources, including digital resources, online library services, and e-books, and fight brain drain in communities by ensuring that the young people who remain the community have access to knowledge. Besides, the article “Can We Afford ‘Free’ Libraries?” claims that fees should be charged for those who need using libraries to avoid putting more expense on those who do not need public libraries and instead channel the taxpayer’s money to the provision of services which offer invaluable jobs. Peoples’ taxes are essential and necessary for other services. These taxes can be used to provide these services to the community; however, it does not mean that taxes cannot help keep these public libraries open and free to the public. Accordingly, this is not the time for patrons to pay suing library services. Most individuals cannot afford the internet or computer to access, and therefore learning cannot take place to such individuals unless they have a library where they can learn.
In conclusion, therefore, public libraries are still more relevant in today’s world. They are a great source of information, help educate people, save history, and equip people with various cultures and languages. They should be free to the public as people cannot access the internet or computer. Accordingly, this is not the time for cities to charge people for using public libraries.
References
Berndtson, M. (2012). “What and why libraries?”: looking at what libraries might look like and why we still need them now and into the future—Library hi-tech news.
Johnson, D. (2007). Are libraries (and librarians) heading toward extinction? Toward a, 21, 386-390