Libraries are no longer the quiet boring places they used to be. Library staff realize they have to grow with the times. We have ebooks to lend, audio books for your ipod that you can download at the library, coffee bars for you to enjoy your coffee while reading the newest issue of that magazine you don't want to spend your hard earned money on. We have comfy areas to sit and chat with your friends so that you don't have to buy endless cups of coffee at the local coffee shop. We have programs for your children so that they can socialize with other children before they start kindergarten. I love knowing that because I brought my five year old to the library he'll have a heads up on other kids when he's learning to read. The internet can't teach my son to read, and I'm sure not spending $18 a piece for picture books when I can get them at the library. We also have programs for senior citizens who are lonely and need a place with a friendly face.

No libraries aren't free. In my community, $35 of your tax dollars go to your community library. How many nook books, magazines, or months of internet access would that get you? Not many, I'm afraid. When someone you love loses their job and can't pay for the internet to look for a new job, many of which only accept applications online, you know where they'll go. The library, because they can also find books on resumes, programs on job hunting, and a friendly face to help them when they need someone to look over their resume really quick.