Originally Posted by
Dave Cutter
I think Ben Franklin's (public library) idea was a good one.... but it's time has passed. Mostly (like in Colorado Springs) they've become pricey Public Restrooms with old fashioned reading materials and free on-line porn.
Maybe where you live, but not in many places in the country. I have travelled by bike in many areas where even small town libraries are quite popular. Not everyone has easy Internet access or even cable TV. Try dowloading a book somewhere like Twin Bridges, MT. Even mid-sized cities have very popular public libraries. Try getting a computer at the Rapid City SD or Missoula, MT libraries on a Saturday afternoon. Not surprisingly, those facilities are quite impressive. Even in big cities there are many people who use libraries not only for computer access but to--gasp--borrow books. My GF borrows numerous books every year. The main library in Philadelphia also serves as a venue for presentations and reading by authors. Citizens and organizations may also use rooms for meetings and presentations. A few years ago, the President of Adventure Cycling Association had a presentation there.
Try getting out of your recliner more often.