I love my local library, but sometimes I think it can be a bother trying to sort out the old material from the new. I usually have to buy a new book if I want to read it – not enough copies at the library, because so much of the space is used for older, less read material.

Not that I have anything against older material – archival books, records and magazines are needed and great resources that should be kept by public libraries.

However, I think that it’s antiquated for the rest of our reading material to be provided by the state – it’s a service, and should be sold. It already is in it’s new form (bookstores), and the service of being sold reading time with a good book should be available.

What I suggest is a chain of privatized libraries. They would buy copies of new books, store them, and customers would buy either time with the book or a membership that allowed them free access.

The market would take care of the rest – if a book is unavailable because all the copies are in use, the library would simply stock more because of demand. Customers would be encouraged from damaging the books because of fees and penalties (this exists with public libraries, but when you don’t have to make a profit it’s usually not strictly enforced).

Sales of books when they get older and not wanted as much would bring in extra revenue. If a customer enjoyed their book and wanted to add it to their collection, they could simply buy it – like a lot of video rental places I go to.

The cost would be less than the price of purchasing the book, of course. Simple lending should be a low fee ($1-2 per book), and purchasing should be cheaper as well. It would be a good way to preview a book before you buy it, and a good way to choose your own personal library without having to make the major investment a new book can be today.

What do you think of this idea or comment?
(You can change your vote at any time)

I agree

No opinion

I disagree