The Library Is Not Free

It’s just not

I recently came across a Facebook post talking about how libraries are free.

But, they are not free.

I’m not going to get into the fact that libraries are funded by taxes. So, we pay for them.

The focus of this has to do with the fact that a library requires you to have an ID, and an address. In order to get a library card.

Both of which costs money.

Both of which, you are required to have for virtually everything you need to be considered a real citizen.

Yes, a citizen. You can’t even vote without an address.

Now, understand that I am talking legally here. There are ways around things. I get it. But, we should not be required to lie and cheat in order to live.

So, let’s start with the ID, or Driver’s License.

You must show proof of who you are. They give you a list of documents they accept. Virtually all of which costs money to obtain.

For me, I usually provide Birth Certificate, and Social Security Card.

But, that’s not all you need. You also must prove your place of residency. That means you must have a piece of mail. And not just any mail, but some kind of bill. Because if you pay bills somewhere, it proves you live there. Apparently.

I have never figured out why your ID requires you to have an address. But, they do.

I assume it’s so the government can come and arrest you if they want. Which violates our right to be innocent till proven guilty. Our entire system is based upon holding everyone accountable for the crimes of a few. We have our rights stolen constantly because someone else broke a rule somewhere.

I was getting my driver’s license renewed, and getting the REAL ID, which requires even more information from your average free citizen. I was surprised there was no body cavity search.

Why did I get a REAL ID? Because they will not let you fly without one, and I have hopes and dreams of someday being able to be free to travel.

Anyway, I asked the folks behind the counter at the DMV, what would happen if I was homeless? They did not know. So, they asked the boss.

He said, “You’ll have to get an address from a shelter or a church, where you are staying or getting mail.”

And of course, if you move you have to get the address changed on your ID. It’s illegal not to.

So, basically we are no better off than registered sex offenders. They have to prove where they live and report when they move as well.

Ok, so let’s get back to the library.

After you get your ID, which you obviously have to pay for, and pay for some kind of address some where.

You can get your library card.

Then, like a sex offender you have to re-prove your ID and address every so often.

This is so that the Librarians can send out Task Force Delta, in order to kick down your door and retrieve that over due book, which you might be using as a coaster on your coffee table.

Which I understand. I totally refuse to loan out books. I keep my books in perfect condition, and hate how folks treat books.

I love the library. Librarians are great.

But, it is not free.

Unless all you do is go there and read books and magazines, while soaking up free AC or heat and free wifi. So, yes. In that sense it’s free.

Enjoy.

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Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger.

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