Libraries, absolutely; The most important thing my city did in the last decade was build a new library and then supply it with literary, audio, video, and computer content. The parking lot is always full, there are always (nice and short) lines at the check-out, and the state, Massachusetts, also provides an excellent online resource. It was one of the best uses of public money and the library is always filled with people. I am more than happy to see my local and state taxes used for just this purpose.
A few years back I saw an interview with economist Ken Rogoff where he (typically) saw a huge opportunity for the privatization of the public sphere in the case of library privatization. I wanted to reach into the television screen and choke him. Let’s shrink these assholes to the point they can drown in a bathtub.
