Apparently libraries around the country are doing assessments to quantify their worth to the community in an attempt to stave off budget cuts. Here are links to an article and the study done by the University of Pennsylvania for Philadelphia that showed higher home values, which correspond to tax dollars (just one benefit).
Interesting.. I'd never thought that libraries were supposed to make a profit.. i kinda felt that it was a public service, as in for the greater good of the populace. Govt wants well educated people as they will have skills needed to build and maintain economy so they invest in the education of all... I've no idea what happens here, whether they make a profit or not, but I do know the ethos was always that it was a public benefit.. yes they would try to not cost too much and would look to recoup some costs from lending DVDs and Audio books.. etc..
I always took my older sons to the library.. fond memories.. not sure how things are now, whether people use them etc...
