We actually had a pleasant discussion in my paper about funding of public libraries

[w8liftinglady]

..which is on Rick Perry's chopping block.

I explained that my partner volunteers twice a week in a public library to help folks study for their GED.If the library closes,there will be no place to go.
One of the guys I banter with actually gave me a resource in a city about 15 miles away.

I thanked him,and told him so.Of course,I had to add that in Texas there is no public transportation and most of these folks sell cans,blood or whatever just to make the bills(in addition to their minimum wage jobs).
Absolutely NO snark(except he was uncomfortable with my calling my partner "My partner")

[dkf]

1. What happens when we go all digital?

I'm waiting for a decent availability of digital library books. The good stuff is always out.

[frazzled]

2. What happens when people are too poor for a computer and ISP

Go to a public library in your locality or any city in America. You will see people lined up to use the computers there. The digital interface most libraries provide today is an essential public service. So it doesn't really affect the conversation we're having about funding libraries: we need to fund them more, not less.

[dkf]

3. We definitely need to do something about that.

Its sad that smart phones cost so danged much. Its worse than a computer plus ISP.

[w8liftinglady]

4. some of the folks he tutors have to pick between water and electric bills

gas and groceries, child care and work.
These guys,I doubt, have very high-tech equipment in their mobile homes.

[Fumesucker]

5. A lot of places you can't even apply for food stamps in person..

You have to do it online.

If you don't have a computer and a connection the only real alternative is to go to the public library and log on there.

So now communities are cutting out the library.

Can you say "Catch 22"?

Sure, I knew you could

[TexasProgresive]

6. Sounds like a win-win for conservatives

Cut funding for libraries equals less money to food stamps.

I'm sure their little pin heads haven't missed that connection.

[Fumesucker]

7. Yeah, it's a win-win for conservatives..

Until it's *their* turn in the barrel.

Even conservatism won't protect you from all the vicissitudes of life.