It doesn't matter where you go, public library policies across North America are just plain stupid. Let me give you an example: Yesterday I emailed Toronto Public Library, asking them if I could purchase a yearly membership instead of a membership for just three months. (As I live quite a distance away from Toronto, it's difficult for me to travel to Toronto once a year, never mind four times a year).
Even though I'm willing to fork over $120 to access Toronto's Overdrive (ebook) collection their policy blocks me from becoming a member, which is bad for both them and me. The doofus/robot who emailed me back told me that "we need to restrict our membership to a 'reasonable geographic area' so that we don't risk losing access to these services." To me this type of speech sounds more like the screeching of mice; it makes me want to lash out, and to tell Toronto's librarians just how this particular policy turns potential customers like myself away.
I still cannot see how making the trip to the library makes any difference. Thinking out loud here, wouldn't Toronto Public Library's collection – which is already amazing – grow exponentially if non-Torontonians could subscribe without visiting the library in-person? You would think that a public library would relish attracting out-of-towners. As a book-lover, I am deeply saddened by Toronto's policy. Although I don't live in Toronto, I love the city, and I'm always telling people about how marvelous Toronto's collection is. I would love to become a Toronto Public Library card-holder, but I'm afraid that that is simply not a possibility at this point, and I urge Toronto to reconsider the aforementioned policy, and to ask themselves whether it is truly necessary.
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