Tennessee has some of the worst-funded, least-visited libraries in the nation.
The average public library in this state is housed in a building that’s far too small for the community it’s supposed to serve, has far fewer materials in circulation than other libraries around the country and is understaffed by underpaid librarians and dogged community volunteers. Many libraries aren’t able to meet the minimum state standards they set for themselves.
Low Budgets
“And only Arkansas, Mississippi and West Virginia spend less on their libraries than Tennessee.” Notice that they are all three on the low end of education and prosperity in this nation. The Republicans say, “Cut taxes!” and they do. This is what they get: ignorance and poverty. See how cheap it is? See how much money they’ve saved by short-changing their children? Thank God the smart ones can leave these states. The dumb ones stay behind and vote to cut taxes and community services.
R. Lee Hadden (These are my own opinions!)
TN struggles
I don’t know what sort of advertising TN libraries have in place, but I wonder if any of the big celebrity names in Tennessee would be willing to lend their name and a small of time to promote public libraries in their state? Just a thought…