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Preserving Public Literacy

Libraries Are More Valuable Than Ever — Here’s Why

All you need is a library card for free access to brand new books (and old ones too). Submitted photos

A recent op-ed by economist Panos Mourdoukoutas argued that Amazon bookstores should replace local libraries. The article was published on Forbes’ website on July 21 with the headline “Amazon Should Replace Local Libraries to Save Taxpayers Money.” Mourdoukoutas’ claimed that “Amazon has provided something better than a local library without the tax fee.” The article argued that books and videos can be purchased or rented online, and free Wi-Fi is available at Starbucks. So why do we need libraries?

The backlash online was immediate and intense, so much so that the article was pulled from Forbes’ site two days later. Librarians, academics and individuals from everywhere argued that libraries provide way more valuable resources than Amazon can offer, and more importantly — materials, services and programs from the library are free to use and participate in.

Libraries are nonprofit. Amazon is not. Plus, there’s much more available at the library than just books and free Wi-Fi. The library provides access to computers, a printer, a copier and a fax. Anyone can use our computers — you don’t even have to buy a coffee first — and anyone from New York can sign up for a library card at no charge. We also offer meeting rooms for organizations and individuals, programming for adults and children, and a safe place for anyone who needs it. Libraries serve as community hubs, open to all.

The library offers learning opportunities for parents and children alike — our storytimes feature not only stories and songs, but also literacy tips, early social development opportunities and networking for parents and families. The Children’s Room has a large, diverse collection of children’s books that includes picture books and chapter books as well as literacy packets for parents and children to use together, dual language books, and board books for our youngest readers.

Sure, you can buy books online, but the library has the resources for in-depth research right here — resources you can borrow, rather than buying. Looking to study for a civil service test, or getting prepared for a corrections officer or a nursing exam? We have hundreds of test prep passbooks for many occupations, saving you $30-$100 per book if you had to purchase from Amazon. Hoping to avoid a costly contractor’s fee? Check out our do-it-yourself books, and avoid the cost entirely.

Prendergast’s meeting spaces are a popular resource for community organizations.

And there are plenty of books and information that you can’t find on Amazon. The library has a dedicated reference collection of local history — books and documents specific to Jamestown, Chautauqua County, and the history of New York State, including city directories dating back to 1875.

Our genealogy resources include free access to Ancestry.com, Chautauqua County census records (dating back to 1860), school district records from nearby town, and local cemetery records. Local newspapers from 1826 onward are available on microfilm, with library staff available to help you find what you’re looking for. Let’s not forget that the library has Jamestown High School yearbooks dating back to 1901 — good luck finding that on Amazon, much less a reference librarian to help you with your research.

Having a library card also grants you access to a wide variety of databases and research tools online. Dozens of academic databases are available on our website, including free access to Rosetta Stone which allows you to learn a new language of your choosing. We also have guides with information for small businesses, and free eBooks and online magazines are accessible through the library’s website that can be read on smartphones and tablets in addition to computers.

All of these resources are freely available — we strive to be an equalizing force, providing access to information for anyone who needs it — whether you need internet access or a yearbook from 1920. And while Mourdoukoutas argues that libraries aren’t valuable, we beg to differ.

Just take a look at the library — use calculator on our website, which demonstrates the financial value of the services and materials we offer — all of which are free to use from the library. Putting this into perspective — in 2018, the tax rate for library funding included in the City of Jamestown’s overall tax rate was just $.03 per $1,000 of assessed value of a home. For a $50,000 house, that amounted to $1.50 per year. How much could you buy on Amazon for $1.50?

Genealogy resources are plentiful at the library.

If you’re interested in viewing the library use calculator, please visit http://www.prendergastlibrary.org/library-use-return-on-investment-calculator/.

The library’s computers, printer, and copier are all available to the public.

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