When is a lifetime not a lifetime

[Smiling JOe]

$35 per year may seem a bit much, but their are many snowbirds who live at the South Walton Library. Often, this time of year, you will not be able to get on a computer because those seats are filled with snowbirds. However, the lifetime pass seemed almost nothing, for people who could "forget" to return books, CDs, DVDs, etc, never to be caught again.

I think it is great that all are welcome to use the library (afterall, it is a public library). My guess is that the are trying to curb the number of snowbird internet users, who prevent locals from being able to use the internet at the library. I think that hefty price of $35 will probably do the trick, as it IS rather steep, for something that is supposed to be a public service. If this fee were for keeping the out of towners from not returning books, a simple Fully-refundable deposit would work.

If I was a snow bird, I, too, might be tweeting a bit about the cost. It only sounds like an annual fee of $3 per month, but in reality, snowbirds are in town no more than 3 months, so it is really more like $12 per month for something that most others get for free.

 

[scooterbug44]

$35 a year for anyone who doesn't live or own property here - seems quite reasonable for unlimited internet access, DVD's, videos, books, the latest papers and magazines, presentations, and tax prep help.

Many libraries charge a nominal fee to RESIDENTS for a library card, so going from a FREE card to one that charges people a nominal fee is a non-issue IMO.

That outrageous $35 fee is roughly the cost of buying a newly released book in hardcover, so it's still a bargain.

 

[GoodWitch58]

from what I heard, no one was objecting to paying the $35 fee UNLESS they had paid for a card before and been told that it was a lifetime card. It was the revoking of the lifetime card that upset people.

 

[wrobert]

from what I heard, no one was objecting to paying the $35 fee UNLESS they had paid for a card before and been told that it was a lifetime card. It was the revoking of the lifetime card that upset people.

EXACTLY! No objection to the fee. The objection is from those that were sold a lifetime card then had it revoked, yet they are still alive. If a business were to do that everyone, including government, would hit the roof.

Personally, I do not understand why the TDC has spent millions drawing these people to the area, with our great amenities, and then charging them. Everyone acts like snowbirds are not contributing to the tax base. I guess we will know when they quit coming to the area.

 

[ShallowsNole]

What I would be curious to know is when the library STOPPED selling "lifetime" passes, and if they were ever anything more than $8.00.

One of the three snowbirds that came to the January 13 BCC meeting mentioned that they bought the memberships 20 years ago for $8.00. IIRC, the library was largely, if not totally, run by volunteers back then, in Cano Square/Emerald Coast Plaza, and much, MUCH smaller.

I can see both sides of this scenario. Clearly.

 

[wrobert]

I can see both sides of this scenario. Clearly.

I am amazed that anyone can see the side of someone revoking a "lifetime" membership.

 

[DuneLaker]

This debate makes me sad. I have a lot of wonderful snowbird friends. If I was in charge of the world, I would let the "Lifetime" memberships stand. Many of these friends have cleaned, repaired and cared for our parks, they have designed and made the stained glass windows on our churches, they have been our friends and sustained our economy. Perhaps this issue can be revisited.

 

[ShallowsNole]

I am amazed that anyone can see the side of someone revoking a "lifetime" membership.

There are lots of things we never thought we would see. I am waiting to be told we have to start bringing our own toilet paper.

 

[GoodWitch58]

This debate makes me sad. I have a lot of wonderful snowbird friends. If I was in charge of the world, I would let the "Lifetime" memberships stand. Many of these friends have cleaned, repaired and cared for our parks, they have designed and made the stained glass windows on our churches, they have been our friends and sustained our economy. Perhaps this issue can be revisited.

I agree DuneLaker. I seriously doubt there are that many lifetime cards needing to be honored.

The good will engendered by honoring our word would go a long way; right now I am sure most people who have rental property need every "snowbird" renter they can get!

The loss of revenue realized from one "upset" person will far out measure the cost of the lifetime card. But, even if that was not the case, the fact that we honored our word should be our standard IMO.

 

[John R]

I am amazed that anyone can see the side of someone revoking a "lifetime" membership.

I can see both side of my Lifetime of contributions to social security plan that won't offer much to my 'retirement'