Seven branch libraries OPENED in 2011, two on the way in 2012.

[RandySF]

That's right. In a year when city services are cut all over the country, San Francisco bucked the trend by renovating existing branches and opening new ones. And new libraries are replacing old ones in the Bayview and North Beach!! Some people actually believe government services are worth paying for!!!

[William769]

1. Good news.

[RKP5637]

2. K&R !!!

[Bigmack]

3. Libraries... who needs them? ...

In our area in semi-rural Washington State, we had a library levy last year. The letters to the editor of the local paper were absolutely amazing. All the usual rightwingnut bloviation about inefficient government, rising taxes, and spending those fucking "hard earned tax dollars" (do the rightwingnuts imagine that only they work hard for their money). Several complained that nobody uses libraries anymore.

Intent on pissing away some of my valuable time, I responded.

It seems that Americans paid taxes in 2009 at a lesser rate than at any time since the Truman administration, so all that "high tax" stuff is just bullshit.

More people used our library system last year than at any time in history.... 12% more.

In addition, the levy would amount to $24 ..... per year per household.

I wrote all that... several times. Each time, my written comment was the last one on the thread.

A couple of days later, another LTTE would appear, screaming about the high taxes, big government, and the wise use of those "hard-earned tax dollars".

I responded again.... and again, my comments were the last one on the thread.

Those people do NOT listen to anybody... any fact... any reason. They just operate from their guts... especially the very last part of their guts.

[Arugula Latte]

4. Did the levy pass or fail?

I'm guessing that it failed, from the sound of your area.

[Bigmack]

7. Yup.....

I forgot to mention how in my LTTEs and posts how much the wars were costing each family in the area compared to the cost of the library levy, too.

Afghanistan .. $180 Billion a year... 112 million families.... $1600 per family.

No response.

[NBachers]

5. I'm a block from the Mission Library; I love it. I'm glad the North Beach library's being replaced

I thought the "Landmark Status for the North Beach Library!" crowd had effectively roadblocked the new one. I lost track of what's been happening, so it's good news to see that the new North Beach Library will be built.

It just warms my heart to see all the people walking in and out of the Mission Library when I'm there. I love that place.

Let's hear it for books, literacy, and library services!

[RandySF]

6. Have you seen the new Ortega branch?

I saw photos and it's gorgeous. The main sitting room has a view of the ocean. We always use Chinatown as it is the closest. A very old building but I don't think it's going anywhere soon.