Uncommon Cents

I work, I save, I pay taxes. I am not opposed to paying taxes because I like things like trash pickup and paved roads; I am, however, opposed to poor use of tax dollars. Of course, “poor use” is, like beauty, in the eye of the beholder.

One of the things in the state in which I live that I believe is the exact opposite of poor use of tax dollars is our public library. I can’t speak for library systems elsewhere, but the public library in Hawai’i is well stocked with books, magazines, videotapes, DVDs, CDs, cassette tapes, and yes, still, vinyl records. As someone who loves reading and music, I have been able to use the public library as a way to not spend thousands upon thousands of dollars throughout the years.

A week’s DVD rental for a dollar, or three weeks with a book or CD for free. Online electronic card catalog systems that allow books to be reserved and brought in from other libraries statewide, sending you a postcard to remind you, at no charge. That’s the kind of service I would like from a library–and that’s actually what I get from my library.

Note that I avoid using the word “free” when I refer to the library. It does take money to run the library system, and most of that money comes out of the pockets of taxpayers. Since I pay taxes, I don’t consider the library “free”; I do, however, consider it something I’ve already paid for. If I’ve paid for a service like this, it’s unlikely I’d pay for the same again–if there’s a book I want to read or a CD I’d like to listen to, I’ll always check the library first to see if they have it rather than buying it. If I decide I really want to have it for my own, I’ll buy it. This way I can spend less and accumulate less clutter, which is better for my environment–and my pocketbook.

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