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The Netherlands doesn't even have public libraries anymore. It really is shameful!
@freemo What do you mean? We have public libraries everywhere.
@SuperDicq Those are privatized, not public
@freemo All libraries are non-profit and use government subsidization. I'd call that public.
@SuperDicq I didnt get into the details of the privatization with them. But even if thats true its still very misleading. Dice it however you want the fact is when I rent books in the netherlands I have to pay (and usually quite a bit). It isnt a free public service as it is in the USA (never pay a penny unless its late or lost)
@freemo I guess you are right in that regard. They are not public as in owned by the state, they are just paid for by the state.
However we still call them public libraries (openbare bibliotheek). And they still fulfill all the tasks mentioned in your image, like programs for children after school, librarians helping you with research, internet access for the homeless and such.
@SuperDicq Well no, they really dont come anywhere close to the services in a USA library. Renting books isnt free, the level of time and help you will get from a librarian is minimal (they seem to act more like cashiers than librarians), they seem smaller, less well funded overall. Many libraries I've been to dont even have free computers/internet to access. I have to say having spent a decent amount of time in libraries in both the Netherlands and the USA that the privatization of libraries here in the netherlands show and they really dont live up to the potential and need they should be satisfying.
Just the fees to take out a bunch of books alone (usually no limit in the USA or very high limit at no cost) is astronomical for a poor person who is likely to need the service.
