"But when the city can't keep the libraries open due to short funding, I have to say that I don't mind paying my share of taxes.

"I believe that I just saw a news cast about a brand new library opening in downtown Seattle. The new Central Library just opened yesterday. I guess your taxes are going to good use."

Just a clarification on the subject of the new Seattle Public Library building:   I have heard people who are not familiar with the ins and outs of—and the differences between—city funding and bond issues say, "How come the city can afford a big new library building, but it can't afford to keep it open longer hours?" The funding for the library building was a bond issue that was voted on. It was a done deal several years ago, before construction on the new building started. The money for the operation of the library comes from the city's general fund, which fluctuates from year to year. Money for employees' salaries and such is open to the same vagaries as all of the city departments. Two separate issues. Funding is sufficiently short right now that a couple of times so far this year, they've had to close the library for a week to save on employee salaries (unpaid leave). Since my wife works at the Seattle Public Library, that can smart a bit.

Don Firth