📚 Libraries Are Surprisingly Controversial
Public libraries will always be a source of controversy. In the past, they have been thought of as only places for high-society, or only places for men, now they are in the spotlight for other reasons.
Some people say “No one needs libraries anymore,” and my argument against that is that if you say that, you are very likely not in the income bracket to need libraries.
Some books are released at $40, and not everyone can afford that. If you can, that’s amazing. If you can’t, that’s what libraries are here for.
Now, before anyone mentions ebooks:
Not everyone has a digital device or wifi. That is one reason why it is so important that libraries have computers for public use.
Not everyone can read ebooks. For example, some physical books come with necessary sensory details (think of children books with different textures), and some people can’t handle the distractions that can come from digital devices.
Price can still be a deterrent, even at a price that is low to you. This is why most libraries do have the option of renting ebooks.
“While most people now have a computer or a hand-held device, only about 75% of people have access to reliable internet service.”
Are Libraries Still Relevant? | Liz Bartlett | TEDxCaryWomen
As well as books and ebooks, libraries, and the use of computers, libraries often offer movies, games, historical archives, wifi, language learning, equipment, music, and resources for career advancement. If that isn’t enough, many libraries often host free programs for both children and adults(such as book reading groups, and children reading times).
In my town, farmers who live outside of bus routes have their kids wait in the safety of the library until their parents get off of work to pick them up.
Now how does all this work for writers? Some writers do compare libraries to theft, and how much (or if) you get paid for reads completely depends on your publisher, your library, or your country. For specific details on that, I recommend this post.
In Canada, a similar system exists in which authors receive a check annually that pays them an amount proportional to the number of times their books were borrowed.”
selfpublishingwiz.com
I do completely understand where this argument comes from. You (the author) look at how many rentals your book has, and can’t help but imagine how much money you would have made if those people had purchased your books instead.
My argument is that it is very likely that the people reading your book from a library could not have afforded your book anyways, even if there were no libraries. So they are not typically a loss of sales, and instead a gained reader.
Instead, think of it like marketing. You lend your book to ten people, and maybe two of those people adore it so much that they review it, chat about it online, and recommend it to all of their friends. If that happens enough times, you can end up with a high number of sales, and all at no cost to you. This is actually why many authors donate their own books to libraries.
Pros: Can help with promoting your books, helping low-income people
Cons: Less money compared to when people buy your books
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