Comments on: Big Challenges, Bigger Opportunities http://blog.kdl.org/?p=1020 The blog of the Kent District Library, with 18 branch locations serving Kent County, Michigan Sun, 19 May 2013 23:02:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 By: Dave http://blog.kdl.org/?p=1020#comment-2493 Dave Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:14:41 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=1020#comment-2493 One of the problems with the great library service we have in West Michigan is generally we don’t understand how libraries are funded. Our librarians have worked hard for many years to make the transition between library systems/districts transparent to us users. It’s not like this in the rest of the state. We’ve got it really nice.

Steve, if you want the extra services that KDL pays a LOT of extra money for (from property taxes), move to the KDL service area, and pay taxes for those services. Not everyone in Kent County has access to our phenomenal library services. If you live in the City of GR or some townships in northern Kent County, you don’t pay taxes to KDL, so don’t have access to the same downloadable books or databases.

Or better yet, petition your own library, to whom you do pay taxes to buy these services. Remember, they are expensive.

It’s not a matter of fairness: there are many libraries in Ottawa County who won’t let us borrow some of their materials (but they borrow ours) because we don’t pay taxes to them. Now THAT’s not fair.

KDL offers great services and programs to many people, regardless of where you live. But as KDL taxpayers and supporters, we’re glad that they keep the really great stuff for us.

]]> By: Patricia Angell http://blog.kdl.org/?p=1020#comment-2486 Patricia Angell Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:13:47 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=1020#comment-2486 I agree with Steve. I live in Kent County so I have access to the online services, however I think it is unfair to those who support the system locked out of services allowed those inside Kent County. I think a small yearly fee for the online services would be acceptable and would add funds to keep services up to date.

]]> By: Steve http://blog.kdl.org/?p=1020#comment-2482 Steve Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:43:06 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=1020#comment-2482 One way you could maintain your high level of service, would be to let those that don’t live in Kent County have access to everything that is available on your website. I live just inside Ottawa county but am in the Grandville School District (and have a Grand Rapids mailing address). My library card allows me to check out books from KDL but that’s it. I can’t use the eLibrary or the online Resources (basically, all the extras that you’re putting money into). If you would like my support, than how about supporting me a little bit. Allow me to have access to your online extras.

Sincerely,
Steve

PS My wife also donates her time and efforts at the KDL branches by being part of the Ruff Readers program.

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