Libraries

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gabe@literature.cafe

How do libraries tend to operate outside of the US? (literature.cafe)

submitted 1 year ago by gabe@literature.cafe to c/libraries@literature.cafe

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I know Canadian libraries operate similarly, but I mean more so like in Europe. Are they as big there as they are here? And do they require fees to join, or are paid via taxes like here as well?

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[–] PseudoMon@literature.cafe 5 points 1 year ago

We got public libraries in major cities, but only if you're lucky. If the library is well-maintained, well-stocked, and generally a good place to be? You either live in the capital (which has one public library of note), or REALLY lucky. Otherwise, it's probably musty and understaffed.

Otherwise, uhh, schools and universities have libraries. They can be decent, but only accessible if you're a student there. There are a few privately-owned library/cafe thing in major cities, and I've heard of philanthropists making small libraries in smaller towns. That's pretty much it.

Reading is just not a national past time here, and the government sure isn't trying to make it one.