To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library
The concept of “the library” is one that holds deep emotional attachment for many people. The nostalgia of book smells, the exhibitionism of reading “cool” physical books in public, the idea of being physically connected to “the community”.<p>The core function of a library, storing physical books, makes little sense anymore. Digital books are far  superior in cost and functionality. But those emotionally attached will claim “they’re not the same”.<p>Our province in Canada has a population of 500,000 and has over 100 libraries. Each of those libraries needs to carry multiple copies of important literature. Many of these libraries go unused. It’s a big waste of money yet people can’t move on because of emotional attachment and emotional reasoning.<p>I do believe in the reinvisioning of libraries as a more digital space, a place to work, and a place for the public to learn.<p>But let’s stop the emotional reasoning and use pure logic. “Civil society” is more alive than ever, on the internet.