Saturday, May 8, 2010

In which I consider the library

Steacie Science and Engineering Library at Yor...Image via Wikipedia
I'm not sure what I think of this.

Typically, the Free Library of Philadelphia has a benefit to help support the library and its programs.  Last year, they had what they called the Borrowers' (un)Ball.

The premise is, instead of spending money to dress up, supporters stay home, read a book, and donate to the library.

On the one hand, I kind of like this.  Instead of paying, say, $200 to buy a dress and go to the salon, and then another $150 for the benefit ticket, you can send $300 to the library, see more of your money go to the cause, and still save $50.  At the same time, the library is saving on food, music, decoration, and PR, so none of those will have to be paid for from the proceeds.  I've always preferred this route when I've been invited to alumni benefits and the like.  Then again, I'm not a society princess. 

Heh.  Can you imagine?

On the other hand, why call it a Ball... or rather, an (un)Ball?  Why can't it -- why shouldn't it -- be a general call to action?  If you utilize the library, appreciate the library, think the library does good work, donate.  Maybe today, maybe on the night of the event, maybe in a few months when things settle down. 

Just like you don't need to wait until Thanksgiving to donate to a food bank, and you don't need to wait until a disaster to give blood, you don't need to wait until a benefit event to give to an organization that you believe deserves your support.

Well.  That's my rant.
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