Public or Private, Arizona Libraries

         Corporate morals and ethics still falling!!!! 

           As a visitor to Arizona this winter and a student seeking higher education, learning the public library system crosses the boundaries from a public entity to a private access club was disturbing.  Pondering the situation, I found information about where this system exists in the public entity forum.

            While visiting family in the area, I eagerly found the Glendale Public Library.  Going through the door I was greeted by staff.  Indicating my need to connect online for assignment deadline submission, I was hastily told purchasing a card was necessary.  The cost to access the classroom through internet options and absorb the influence is $60.00.

            Absorbing the shock of what I was hearing, I left.  Still unable to digest the news I faithfully did some research of word meaning.  Providing definitions, Merriam-Webster identifies, “Public: a place accessible or visible to the public —usually used in the phrase in public,” using this definition, remaining public is an option.  The library was visible to me.  Further research a better definition appears, “Private: intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person, group, or class <a private park>,” this suits the system more appropriately, (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2011).

            The quietness of an encouraging setting, the smells of rows and rows of books silently lining shelves, and the excitement seen in the faces of children beginning a new exploration or discovery, has a fee. Rather than choosing access to my classroom from another avenue, many are available; I sought the influence available behind the libraries doors.  This is the first experience of negativity during my travels and education, most systems welcome visitors. 

            Unfortunately, this system falls into the trenches of the economic greed and is joining the ranks among businesses requiring service fees.  So to individuals on a brief visit to the state, attach to the budget a $60.00 fee if intentions include visiting the local Public Library!

Resource:

Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. (2011). Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary