An erosion of intellectual culture (Score 1)

There are a lot of things going on here. Public libraries by in large have always sold books which they no longer wish to keep. This is done for a number of reasons, not the least of which is space. It is simply not possible for a library to keep expanding forever just to avoid disposing of a book. However, when libraries are forced to sell items so as to meet budget shortfalls we are in worrying times. A culture that turns its back on learning and education is a culture in demise. World wide we have seen a gradual erosion of the respect and money given to libraries, as well as social services and education. The powers that be have seen fit to spend instead on the machine of war and the climate of fear which now pervades us. These are sad times indeed and will only serve to widen the gap between the educated few and the masses.