I used to work for NYPL years back. Apparently there are also gangs having sex (eg, gang initiation) at some branches -- this topic was actually covered during

I used to work for NYPL years back. Apparently there are also gangs having sex (eg, gang initiation) at some branches -- this topic was actually covered during my orientation. I agree many branches are essentially day-time shelters for homeless (sure, they smell really bad) and drug addicts. Not sure about "shutting them down," but they try to justify their existence even in the age of the internet and wireless communication by claiming that they serve various unheeded needs of local community other agencies are unable to provide. Are they really a waste of taxpayers money? Well, most librarians are unions members and they are not for the most part a drain on NYC finance -- we are talking about NYC where NYPD officers can make $150+K or sky-is-the-limit earnings for MTA contractors. I think the city has much greater issues at its hand, but the library system is far from frugal or efficient, IMO. Some work for the library because they share and believe in the mission and service they provide to community, but I suspect many don't care about that.