Libraries fight to balance books - smh.com.au
Where is the evidence gone to convince these 'first world' accountants that providing a public service like schools and libraries works towards a better educated society which tends to be wealthier.

I can't be so old that I can remember what happened in the late 1800s when men like Carnegie built Free Libraries (even in Australia) and Mechanics Institutes formed the backbone of what are now state library systems in this country?

I know I would be stuffed if I had to pay to borrow from my local library ... but then, I pay both rates and taxes and think that I should get my moneies worth for what I contribute!