DIRECTIONS: (1) Read the essay prompt and both essays. (2) Discuss the
questions below with a partner.
ESSAY PROMPT: There is an ongoing debate in the public domain as to whether
free public libraries are still practical in today’s world. What are the implications
for society of a “free” public library system? Has the time come for cities to
consider requiring patrons to pay a fee to use library services?
Weigh the claims on both sides, and then write an argumentative essay
supporting either side of the debate in which you argue for or against the free
library system. Be sure to use information from both texts in your argumentative
essay.
Argumentative Essay A
Although libraries once were important to communities, they have lost that
importance and therefore should no longer be free to the public. Fees should be
established for the services that the libraries provide. Tax payers should not bear
the burden of operating libraries that they no longer use.
The article titled “Can We Afford ‘Free’ Libraries?” states that “the library is
losing some of its relevance.” This is true. People now have computers they can
use to Google anything they want. They no longer have to go to a library to look
through old books and newspapers to find the information they need. They can
also use computers to purchase books for themselves and their children from
Amazon. They can build their own libraries without having to drive or walk to the
community library to look for books that may end up not even being there. The
article also says that tax payer’s money should go to other more important
services, like EMT and fire departments. Saving people’s lives is far more
important than giving them a place to hang out. As the article points out, taxes
should be used for these services because they “could save valuable jobs and
services.”
It’s true that a library also employs people and provides services. Like the first
article says, libraries do give people a place to meet, they help educate people,
and they preserve history. But why must all taxpayers pay for these, especially if
they don’t use the services? Therefore, libraries should charge membership fees
to belong. If people don’t want to pay the fees, they can go to schools.
In conclusion, I feel that libraries should no longer be subsidized by tax payer’s
money. Libraries are a thing of the past. “The nonprofit public library is well over
100 years old.” People who want a library should pay for it, and people who don’t
use libraries should use their money to support other community services.
