[relyks]

What you describe exists somewhat in a form in the US. Most major universities have some type of "friends of <insert college name here> library" program. You make an application and donate some money. You're then allowed to use the facilities for studying/reading/working. The donation is usually tax deductible. You're given the same access to the areas as the student population. The libraries all have quiet areas (or floors) and reservable enclosed quiet rooms (sometimes the rooms can be reserved remotely through a web interface). I had a reader membership for Cooper Union when I lived in Manhattan.

Major cities also have private libraries where a similar arrangement exists. Public libraries may be too busy and not as stringent in maintaining sound levels. They usually don't have private rooms either. From my experience, they are also not as clean as private libraries.

I've been confused why more people don't take advantage of these "friend of a library" programs or take part in private library memberships. The programs allow non-students to support libraries (although private ones) and they're significantly cheaper than going to cafes or coffee shops. I'm pretty sure most places will want you to buy something everytime to be considered a patron so that you aren't kicked out or pressured for freeloading.

Examples:

* Cooper Union (https://library.cooper.edu/friends/)

* NYU (https://library.nyu.edu/about/general/fob/)

* Princeton (https://fpul.princeton.edu/)

* NY Society Library (https://www.nysoclib.org/)

[chouchinhua]

Thank you. I didn't know of these programs. In my city, public libraries are not used enough. Most are used by students preparing for national tests, or people just hanging out, enjoying the air conditioning.

I think the use cases overlap a bit. But the space I'm thinking about will also have a bed (or reclining chair) and a (shared) bath facility. It would be more private, internet-free, and more clean. I'd have to study why people don't step in library as often.