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Having to have an extra $200 around to leave as a deposit at the library would exclude many many library patrons, and is definitely not the "best system". It's
by jrochkind1 5y ago
Having to have an extra $200 around to leave as a deposit at the library would exclude many many library patrons, and is definitely not the "best system". It's one of the worst possible systems.
- deleted 5y ago[deleted]
- kazinator 5y agoWhere I live, you need a similar deposit just to get electricity in your place, if you don't have credit. A patron is generally someone who pays. Nobody is paying in this situation; there is a deposit which is refundable, with reasonable interest competitive with bank savings accounts in the area. Where I live, the (one and only) power company charges deposits against new accounts with no credit or bad credit: https://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/bill-payment/customer-service-rules.html#Security%20deposits https://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/bill-payment/custom... Why would a library not charge deposits for borrowing? Because people need to be able to take books home (as opposed to reading in the library) more than they need electricity?
- kube-system 5y agoBecause public libraries are public services and are not a for-profit industry. Their priorities are in serving the public, rather than generating income. An alternative question could be: Why doesn't BC make electricity as available to their poorest citizens as NY makes books available to theirs?