[silisili]

My childhood library changed from a place for books, to a place for homeless people to get internet.

I don't say that hatefully or anything, it's what happened. It was a tiny library chocked full of shelves. Then some were removed to add six or so computers. The last time I went in, over half of the shelves were gone and replaced with computers.

I don't mean to pearl clutch here, I fully support libraries and always will. I do not support a government subsidized internet cafe.

[Arainach]

It's a common misconception that libraries are just stacks of books. Libraries are about connecting people to information and resources. How people access information changes. These days a ton of information is online - more than any one library could hold - and having access to those resources - whether to look something up on Wikipedia or to apply for a job - is a core part of the duty of libraries.

Libraries have books, magazine, journal subscriptions, children's books, music, movies, art. They host clubs, they host discussions or community events, they help people find all sorts of information.

[silisili]

Understood. Generally, I'm a fan of all types of media, basically everything you mentioned -except- computers/internet. Perhaps a couple smart thin clients for wiki and such? But the process of removing books to add computers specifically is what irks me I guess.

Maybe it's just its ephemeral nature. In 1000 years if someone came across an old library they could see and learn so much. Not so much if it's just a pile of computers that don't work anymore.