If the state of public libraries is anything to go by, no. At least here in the Netherlands, most public libraries that are still open, have reduced their book

If the state of public libraries is anything to go by, no. At least here in the Netherlands, most public libraries that are still open, have reduced their book shelf capacity in the past couple of years and added study spaces, conversation spaces, coffee corners, computer spaces, meeting spaces, and workshops to the menu. The experience of going to the library now compared to 30 years ago when I was a kid is totally different. Then it was a quiet place with books, catalogues, a reading table, and maybe a computer or two. Now it is a social meeting place. (What I do wonder is, what were the social meeting places of 30 years ago? Why is there a need for them now?) Anyway, in my experience with university libraries, unless you know what you're doing research-wise, these libraries are not the most accessible for the outsider. There is a lot of information to wade through, and if you're unlucky, you have to order books you want from the archive/warehouse anyway, which can take from a couple of hours to a couple of days. Unless you can go to the library every day, you will have to plan your visit, search and request the books and materials you think you want beforehand, and hope for the best. How I miss searching for hours or days in libraries and archives!