tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post1479912669879621611..comments2024-03-28T13:12:12.095-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Libraries? We Don't Need No Steenkin' Libraries!Bernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-35879120525377806122011-09-27T09:14:46.267-04:002011-09-27T09:14:46.267-04:00Commisioner Nolan is a know-it-all. The others ar...Commisioner Nolan is a know-it-all. The others are so blind they let him dictate without stopping him. Let's be real ...... their tax base is going to hell. No mall - no tax revenue. St. Luke's - no tax revenue. No new development - no tax revenue.<br /><br />One of these days the bottom will fall out. The City of Bethlehem smoke and mirror tactics are moving east. Next they's start threatening layoffs instead of raising taxes gradually to keep up with real life. Nolan!!!!!!!!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-26635803026875136862011-09-23T11:05:01.385-04:002011-09-23T11:05:01.385-04:00Clem - Yes, nothing. Or do you ignore the infrast...Clem - Yes, nothing. Or do you ignore the infrastructure and institutions and labor that enabled what little success you have achieved? Oh no, you did it all on your own, right? Obviously, you didn't achieve much academically if you can't comprehend such a basic reality.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-78245973291134482142011-09-22T21:13:06.676-04:002011-09-22T21:13:06.676-04:00I will keep their copy of "Huck Finn" ou...I will keep their copy of "Huck Finn" out for a few years and pay my 5 cents a day late fee. That should help.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-61379320069594838802011-09-22T12:27:14.588-04:002011-09-22T12:27:14.588-04:00Without the public sector I would have nothing?
I...Without the public sector I would have nothing?<br /><br />I don't know how to respond to such rabid, blind, and, really, dangerous blather from the troughfeeding troll. But, here goes:<br /><br />"The library" is not a Federal or State bureacracy which benefits the connected and it's employee unions without regard to those who fund it. It is not awash in AFSCME, SEIU or PSEA featherbedding. It is, or was, one of the last examples of communities responsibly furnishing something for themselves with their own dollars.<br /><br />If they have grown dependent on Federal and State grants, borrowed money that will never be repaid, and follow the path of the public education system, well, then I would say they deserve the scrutiny and may need to go.<br /><br />Once again, your need to defend your handout trumps common sense.<br /><br />Now, back to whatever it is you don't do for your dip in the trough.<br /><br /><br />-ClemAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-75463078701995162712011-09-22T09:19:09.973-04:002011-09-22T09:19:09.973-04:00Clem - Newsflash: The library is the dreaded "...Clem - Newsflash: The library is the dreaded "public sector." Without the "public sector" you would be nowhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-73497325774726747772011-09-22T09:18:13.849-04:002011-09-22T09:18:13.849-04:00My local library, which owns its building, has an ...<i>My local library, which owns its building, has an annual budget of $86K. </i><br /><br />How many staff members can you have for $86K? Part of the value of a library is librarians.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-3035978144722685912011-09-22T09:14:58.602-04:002011-09-22T09:14:58.602-04:00We don't need the post office, either.
Yes, b...<i>We don't need the post office, either.</i><br /><br />Yes, because small business and giant corporations alike would absolutely love mailing $4 letters through Fedex. (And that's assuming Fedex drops their price 300%)<br /><br />Can you imagine how much your school tax alone would go up if schools had to mail letters for $4 a pop, 10x what they pay now?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-35914144952128254692011-09-22T08:54:32.149-04:002011-09-22T08:54:32.149-04:00Yes, subsidizing oil companies is yet another dive...Yes, subsidizing oil companies is yet another diversion of tax dollars yet to be confiscated. Another reason we are in the bind that causes localities to consider reductions like this.<br /><br />-ClemAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-61247877753442035362011-09-22T03:44:03.898-04:002011-09-22T03:44:03.898-04:00And let us not leave out subsidizing the poor oil ...And let us not leave out subsidizing the poor oil companies<br />you know they are nearly out of business ....ClemAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-28725118235054324892011-09-22T00:20:27.910-04:002011-09-22T00:20:27.910-04:00Libraries are a good thing for so many reasons. I...Libraries are a good thing for so many reasons. I think we went around on this last year.<br /><br />In the end, it will become a matter of priorities. And, as long as we continue choosing to overemploy, overcompensate and overbuild in the public sector, allow companies like GE to pay no net corporate income tax, and turn a blind eye as trillions of dollars of debt is laid upon the backs of future generations, things like libraries will continue to make the list of potential "expendables".<br /><br />-ClemAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-44471332528368888602011-09-22T00:01:20.517-04:002011-09-22T00:01:20.517-04:00I agree with my fellow teabggaers, that noted Soci...I agree with my fellow teabggaers, that noted Socialist Ben Franklin, created the first public library. What a disaster he and it were for our great nation.<br /><br />Besides, libraries are just a place were homless guys can get their computer porn and scope out kids in the bathrooms.<br /><br />Werner Von GoetheAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-3512088020140372132011-09-21T22:59:47.504-04:002011-09-21T22:59:47.504-04:00I can see my grandchildren now- chewing on the cor...I can see my grandchildren now- chewing on the corner of an iPad instead of touching Pat the Bunny.<br /><br />Children's books often make up a large portion of a library's collection, and with good reason. I took out hundreds of books for my daughter when she was young. She is 15 now and reading Vonnegut.<br /><br />However, $400K is a large amount of money. My local library, which owns its building, has an annual budget of $86K. It may not be a large as the Bethlehem system, but it serves a broad community in upper Montgomery County.Catharinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04302550985757509083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-9086175216285852202011-09-21T21:35:38.001-04:002011-09-21T21:35:38.001-04:00Sure, $400k is a lot of money bc Beth Tp has more ...Sure, $400k is a lot of money bc Beth Tp has more people than it did ten years ago. Instead of working on a new library that will eventually cost more or will not provide the same level of service, it makes sense to continue working with Bethlehem and finding ways to economize. <br /><br />42% of the Township's residents use that library.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-82434558739066589752011-09-21T21:28:34.039-04:002011-09-21T21:28:34.039-04:00It will come down to either higher taxes or the Li...It will come down to either higher taxes or the Library? $400g is a lot of money even for Bethlehem Township. Most in the Township would rather not see a tax increase and could care less if the library is funded in Bethlehem or a new one in the Township.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-69036808991167695972011-09-21T20:38:18.027-04:002011-09-21T20:38:18.027-04:00Yosemite Sam Stocker
Defund education at all leve...Yosemite Sam Stocker <br />Defund education at all levels.<br />Close the libraries.<br />Edit and rewrite history.<br />Ban books that promote independent thought.<br />Endorse ignorance by wearing it as a badge of courage.<br />To maintain control<br />provide bus rides, placards, coffee, and donuts. <br />Get elected.<br />Stay elected.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-72581351418765131802011-09-21T17:52:25.575-04:002011-09-21T17:52:25.575-04:00Never trust men with goatees. They are obviously ...Never trust men with goatees. They are obviously both bad judgements of what's good for them and current trends.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Men with Yosemite Sam mustachesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-26039146984026833482011-09-21T17:24:41.578-04:002011-09-21T17:24:41.578-04:00Andrew Carnegie:
“It was from my own early experi...Andrew Carnegie:<br /><br />“It was from my own early experience that I decided there was no use to which money could be applied so productive of good to boys and girls who have good within them and ability and ambition to develop it as the founding of a public library”<br /><br />and<br /><br />"You can't push anyone up the ladder unless he is ready to climb it himself."<br /><br />I know many of your readers would praise Carnegie's self-made wealth, but may be too willing to forget his belief in providing ladders for those who chose climb them. Libraries serve many functions from recreational to research via a variety of media. The soccer moms and their kids referenced are only one niche of users.Lighthousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05346747286241817118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-50794913387831779802011-09-21T17:07:09.233-04:002011-09-21T17:07:09.233-04:00I think Northampton should pass a bond issue to mo...I think Northampton should pass a bond issue to move "Warehouse 13" from North Dakota to Forks Township. Let the kids play with the artifacts.Chris Caseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03229946755174182758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-54435424964476627582011-09-21T11:51:42.919-04:002011-09-21T11:51:42.919-04:00This is a struggle between 19th/20th century think...This is a struggle between 19th/20th century thinking and the technology that is making the 21st century the information age. <br /><br />While we need some buildings, we don't need all of them or as many as we used to. There is a library in every computer so it calls into question having brick and mortar structures to store volumes of knowledge. These resources are easily surpassed by the Internet.<br /><br />Perhaps we should call them community centers and not put such an emphasis on shelves and stacks of books. Instead, have banks of computers available to those who do not have internet access at home.<br /><br />The same is true of offices. Many people today could easily work from home either doing office 'paperwork' which is basically word processing and data crunching. This would go a long way towards reducing pollution and congestion from commuting.<br /><br />Rather than look at this as a negative, we should envision the opportunity of devoting resources to centers where many positive social interactions could take place. Such as instructing immigrants to learn English.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-54065900571151946172011-09-21T11:12:27.298-04:002011-09-21T11:12:27.298-04:00One other point about libraries. They provide a sa...One other point about libraries. They provide a safe environment for children. Other than organized sports, it is hard for me to think of places where so many kids can get together and get into so little trouble ad remain so safe.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-24960393032106535282011-09-21T11:10:23.937-04:002011-09-21T11:10:23.937-04:00Libraries have existed for centuries to provide kn...Libraries have existed for centuries to provide knowledge to people who would not otherwise have access to it. Whether it is in the form of a book, video, CD, or a downloadable book, it is there. It has always been the bridge between those who are information poor and would like to learn. It is by no means anachronistic. Now, more than ever, it is needed. Its computers are a vital resource for those among us unable to afford PCs or the Internet. There are people who use these libraries to make out jb applications (I am repeating myself).<br /><br />Don't get me wrong. I consider the Internet the new Library of Alexandria. It is marvelous. But for specialized research, nothing beats a library, whether it is the Marx room in Easton or the archives in Bethlehem. <br /><br />It introduces children to the wonderful world of reading. <br /><br />Libraries could probably improves ther appearance and try harder to be a little more social like B&N. They should have coffeeshops and more activity. But stodgy or not, they actually help us learn, and without the distractions that come on the Internet. <br /><br />I do read faster on the Internet, but my comprehension is not as good, and I have been embarrassed a few times when I've completely missed something.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-91500516886619841372011-09-21T10:56:27.597-04:002011-09-21T10:56:27.597-04:00"Get a horse!"
Ice delivery, buggy whip..."Get a horse!"<br /><br />Ice delivery, buggy whip manufacturing, coal firemen on electric trains: how did we ever get by without them?<br /><br />Times change. We don't need the post office, either.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-44341064521712760612011-09-21T10:39:47.778-04:002011-09-21T10:39:47.778-04:00A library is one of the strengths of a community. ...A library is one of the strengths of a community. BAPL, for example, does have an app under which you can borrow books for your iPad or kindle. It enables people who have no computers to fill out job applications. The books and reports still contain materials that are NOT readily available on the Internet, despite what Hudak says. There are audiotapes and videotapes. I do not think we, as a society, are better off if we stop supporting libraries.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-47202024595211501562011-09-21T10:34:00.636-04:002011-09-21T10:34:00.636-04:00Who knows! Anymore, knowing how to use the interne...Who knows! Anymore, knowing how to use the internet is a great resource that can replace the need for any content in a library. <br /><br />But! I enjoy going to Barnes and Noble to read. It's more the "place" than it is the resources.Ryan Critchetthttp://rmctech.net/areas/computer-repair-phillipsburg/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-76712183335763288532011-09-21T10:01:25.169-04:002011-09-21T10:01:25.169-04:00"Do you know if the downtown Bethlehem librar...<em>"Do you know if the downtown Bethlehem library ever put a coffee shop on the second floor for teens?"</em><br /><br />Gosh, I don't know. I was there for a meeting a few weeks ago, and did not see one.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.com