A lot of the libraries in my area are 501c3. This means we're technically non-profit organizations. This also means so, so, SO much of our time is spent on fundraising and business ass-kissing work just to keep the lights on.

It means our collections are not as robust because we don't have as much time or funding to put toward building them.

It means our library staff aren't as knowledgeable because we don't have the time or funding to spend towards professional development and training.

Which means we can't give our communities as much in terms of service or access.

Properly funded libraries have amazing tutoring centers, writer's and artist's support centers, maker centers, ESL classes, and so much more beyond the "lol, just books" but also books are pretty great.

And you know what? Even the shittily funded libraries are places where people can learn new skills and apply to jobs and keep the local economy going.

We just can't do as much as we could because we're so busy just trying to stay afloat. It's hard to plan with an eye to future or expand services when you're treading water with a leaky pair of swimmies.

The idea that we should run on volunteer help is absurd. We can't find and keep enough knowledge paid workers, we need more than warm bodies behind the desk. A library is nothing without librarians (MLIS or otherwise) who can help community members find items in it.

So no, I'm sorry, but public libraries don't work without public funding. I've seen it first-hand. They will limp along and do a lot for their communities because most librarians are in it to serve their community, but it will always be a shadow of the good they can do.

And I am tired and should not have started this thread with my thoughts half formed and bedtime so near. But in sum, fund your libraries.