Library self-funding at $1.50 a book (New Zealand)

Borrowing a library book would need to cost $1.50 a time if the Timaru library was to pay its own way. The Pleasant Point Community Board wants those using the Timaru library to pay for their books, as well as suggesting entry fees be charged at both the Aigantighe Art Gallery and South Canterbury Museum. The money saved could then be spent in rural areas on road maintenance and seal extension. Sealing a kilometre of unsealed road costs between $150,000 and $180,000. The district's three libraries will cost $1.94 million in 2012-13