Not only do libraries buy their own copies of books but they usually also 
pay more than hardcover prices to get library bindings, which stand more 
wear and tear than the average book. Some sighted friends of mine have 
checked out books within a couple of weeks of the release dates. If there's 
a waiting list for the title, it generally starts moving the day the book 
goes on the market.

About the human vs. electronic voice controversy, I prefer human voices for 
pleasure reading and electronic voices (Eloquence being my favorite) for 
content/work related reading. I suspect this is a common distinction. I 
sometimes work as an English teacher. When I'm reading a novel or book of 
poems for the first time, I'd rather have a person read it, and hearing that 
voice is part of my drafting process when I write. When I'm rereading a book 
for teaching purposes, I prefer both the convenience of being able to find 
specific passages in electronic copies, etc., and the nutral reading of the 
text. I also know I have finished a piece of writing when I don't notice 
that a synthetic voice is reading it.

finally, about libraries in general, I think they're as vital and as 
necessary as police departments and fire stations. they're repositories of 
information, and having access to them is part of our right to free speech, 
openness in society, and access to education. People who are lucky enough 
not to use them regularly are priveleged indeed. I'm not on a fixed income. 
Still, I spend a lot of money on books and other types of research, and I'm 
very glad to know I can access more information than I can afford through 
libraries of different types. 


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