The phrase “just use the library” is used a lot in the online book community, usually in response to conversations about pirating or the cost of books or when people are upset over not getting ARCs. And while yes, I am a huge proponent of using the library and actively use libraries every day, this is also a privileged take, because it’s not always that simple.

In reality, libraries are amazing if you live in an area that finances their libraries. Not everyone has a library, or a free library. And for some people, even though they have a library, the selection is pretty small, so not every book is available. And definitely not every book in a preferred format.

I was lucky to live in an area with amazing libraries when I needed them the most. I truly miss the library system from Washington and was so sad when my library card expired. But I no longer have an address there and they don’t offer non-resident cards. When I first moved to Oregon, we had a solid county library system, even though we are a rural county, we had 10-15 branches, all interconnected, so they were able to share catalogs and keep a wider selection of books. About 7 years ago, they voted to eliminate the county library system. At least 10 of the separate cities started their own libraries, but they are no longer connected and you have to pay a non-resident fee to use a different library in the county. The selections are very small, especially in certain genres or categories. So I know what it’s like to have a healthy, robust library, and to have a small underfunded library.

Now, we have the additional issues of the various bills before congress at both state and federal levels looking to ban certain books that are already difficult to find in smaller library systems. And additional libraries are facing defunding issues across the US. (I can’t speak for other countries, but I know some have limited library systems as well). This will make using the library even more difficult for some people.

So, while yes, you absolutely should use your library as much as possible, saying “just use your library” isn’t a solution for everyone all the time. This does not me I support pirating, because there is 100% NO REASON to ever pirate a book. Just that I understand some people just don’t have the same access to libraries.