[ghaff]

I like physical books as much as the next person. And providing access to and/or lending out physical books, journals, references, etc. is certainly an important library function. But, at the same time, it's important not to fetishize the value of a library as being defined by how much dead tree storage it has.

[WilTimSon]

Absolutely true but it's important to make sure that if the library does have a rich collection of works they're all properly catalogued, sorted, easy to access, and easy to check out. If you already have the books available, make sure you're giving people a chance to check them out. Sure, most might go to the library for events and hangouts but some might be happy to borrow a novel or a scientific text. It's about resource usage.

[carapace]

Whoa there, bibliophilia is a fetish now? Should I feel naughty? I do feel pleasure when I go to a library and see all the books on the shelves.