I grew up in a small town, and were it not for the library may have gone insane. Upon saving up enough for a computer of mine own and an internet connection I

I grew up in a small town, and were it not for the library may have gone insane. Upon saving up enough for a computer of mine own and an internet connection I visited less, but still treasured the place. So I sympathize, but believe that we can make libraries unnecessary. Subsidized or free municipal internet connectivity, already seen in some communities, coupled with a greater commitment to making worthwhile material available online, has the potential to do more good. Instead of 215,000 copies of a reference book spread throughout the nations libraries, buyout the rights to it or work out an arrangement to make it available online. Instead of cutting services like data.gov, expand upon them. As to community connectedness and educating our children, focus on making our schools better. Libraries are, and have been a grand institution. But times change, and there are better ways.